“You are encouraged to avail of the special retirement package,” said the company representative. In other words, I should resign. I had mixed emotions. On one hand, I was grateful. I’ve been on prolonged medical leave due to a chronic illness exacerbated by cancer treatments. I knew my body could no longer cope with full-time work. I was thankful to receive monetary compensation that I wouldn’t otherwise get if I resigned. On the other hand, I dreaded the finality of leaving the workforce. My health had deteriorated to the point that I was housebound. I knew it was a permanent goodbye to productive leadership and entering a season of dependency.

I grieved. But with the sadness was calm acceptance. Throughout my long-term illness, I had to restructure my self-identity according to my diminishing capabilities. In uncertainty, what assuaged me was knowing that, at my core, I remain unchanged, still made wonderfully in His image.

In God’s eyes, we are always loved. And we fulfill a purpose no matter our circumstances in life. 

Cecil Lim (cez_lim@yahoo.com) 

reflect

“We are not the sum of our weaknesses and failures, we are the sum of the Father’s love for us and our real capacity to become the image of His Son Jesus.” (St. Pope John Paul II)

“Lord, I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:14)

St. Rose of Lima, virgin, pray for us.

First Reading | Isaiah 22:19-23

One of the most powerful images of leadership is that of a father—a protector and guide who cares for his family and shields them from harm. All leaders, especially spiritual leaders, should remember this. To abandon one’s flock is the worst thing a leader can do. Like a captain aboard a sinking ship, a true leader must be the last to leave, ensuring the safety of those entrusted to him. Let us pray that our leaders always make the care of their flock their highest priority.

¹⁹ Thus says the Lord to Shebna, master of the palace: “I will thrust you from your office and pull you down from your station. ²⁰ On that day I will summon my servant Eliakim, son of Hilkiah; ²¹ I will clothe him with your robe, and gird him with your sash, and give over to him your authority. He shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. ²² I will place the key of the House of David on Eliakim’s shoulder; when he opens, no one shall shut, when he shuts, no one shall open. ²³ I will fix him like a peg in a sure spot, to be a place of honor for his family.”

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8

R: Lord, your love is eternal; do not forsake the work of your hands.

¹ I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart, for you have heard the words of my mouth; in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise; ² I will worship at your holy temple. (R) I will give thanks to your name, because of your kindness and your truth: ³ When I called, you answered me; you built up strength within me. (R) ⁶ The Lord is exalted, yet the lowly he sees, and the proud he knows from afar. ⁸ Your kindness, O Lord, endures forever; forsake not the work of your hands.” (R)

Second Reading | Romans 11:33-36

In today’s reading, Paul speaks of a heart that rejoices in the wisdom and ways of God. Yet, beneath this joy lies a quiet frustration—he does not fully grasp how God will resolve the dilemma of so many Jews rejecting the Gospel. This is Paul’s great struggle. Is it not clear to them what God is accomplishing?

³³ Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways! ³⁴ For who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been his counselor? ³⁵ Or who has given him anything that he may be repaid? ³⁶ For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

Gospel | Matthew 16:13-20

This is the defining question that shapes our response to God’s call. If we do not believe that Jesus is the Son of God, Redeemer, and Savior, we will inevitably disregard the Gospel, missing its revelation and graces. But if we do believe, the possibilities of a life of faith are boundless. Without belief, we face eternal frustration and emptiness; with belief, we embrace eternal contentment and fulfillment.

Gospel Acclamation

You are Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. 

¹³ Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” ¹⁴ They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” ¹⁵ He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” ¹⁶ Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” ¹⁷ Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. ¹⁸ And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. ¹⁹ I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” ²⁰ Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.

Read the Bible in one year! Read JOB 34 - 37 today.

Caesarea Philippi, the place of today’s Gospel, was not only scenic—it was spiritual and political. Known for its abundant springs, it gave life to the waters flowing to the Sea of Galilee—but it also teemed with shrines dedicated to pagan gods. In the midst of this religious marketplace, Jesus asks His disciples the defining question: “Who do you say I Am?”

The disciples begin with the expected answers—John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah. These were safe responses, echoing popular speculation. But Jesus isn’t satisfied with hearsay. He isn’t content with borrowed faith. He wants something more personal.

“But you—who do you say I Am?” This is the turning point. It’s a question that echoes to every generation. It’s the same question we’re asked today—not just by Jesus, but by life’s storms and silences, by suffering and joy. When we’ve walked with Jesus, seen His works, and heard His words, who is He to us?

Peter’s answer is bold and beautiful: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” He speaks not from theory, but from conviction. Jesus affirms this with a promise: Peter will be the rock, the Church will be built on his faith, and the keys to heaven will be entrusted to him.

This moment establishes not just Peter’s leadership, but the very foundation of the Church. In a place of many gods, Jesus reveals the one true faith. In a city of temples, He establishes the Church. And in Peter, He appoints a visible shepherd.

May we, too, echo Peter’s faith—not just with our lips, but with our lives. Who is Jesus to you? Your answer may just be the rock He builds on. 

Fr. Joel Camaya, SDB 

reflection questions

Beyond what you know of Jesus from our Religion classes and Bible study, who is He to you? The pope is the successor of Peter. How do you see the Church and Her work in the world today?

Lord, I pray for the pope, the successor of Peter, and the universal Church. Amen.

Today, I pray for: ___________________________________