Dig Deeper into Sunday’s Gospel: Read Matthew 16:13–19

Normally, at this point in the year, I don’t mind the blissful chaos of summer. I welcome the relief that comes with the ease of the season. But as I write this, I am far from relieved. I’m worn thin and worn out—not necessarily from the daily chores, schedules, or relationships, but from the world.

This world, as it is right now, is wearing me out.

Anyone else looking to the heavens, silently praying that Jesus might return today? 

My heart is heavy with fear, and all the micro and macro emotions that fall under that umbrella, for our collective humanity. It seems the human race, so self-focused and arrogant, has forgotten the dignity with which we were created, to whom we belong, and that we are called to view each other as brothers and sisters.

I know my hope lies in Christ. I know He has authority over it all. But lately, that knowledge hasn’t been enough to quell my fears. I find myself awake in the middle of the night, gripped by anxiety and worry for my family, my country, and this world.

As Christians, we are called to be in the world, not of the world. But I find myself wondering, how far in the world are we talking? I have never wanted more than to whisk my family away to a remote island off the coast of Scotland. The accent, along with the rainy, cloudy weather that mirrors my current mood, makes me dream of disconnecting from everything and rebranding myself as a Highland cow farmer.

And then, the Holy Spirit offers this week’s gospel to ground me. The truth found within it dispels my anxiety and relieves me of the pressure to figure it all out. It’s a divine invitation to release everything—this world, our country, our families—into the firm and safe hands of the One who holds the entire universe together; the only One who, in His wisdom, truly understands what we need. 

“You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). 

These words of Jesus serve as a resounding proclamation of hope, a battle cry, and a firm promise. No matter how dark the world may seem, the Church will not fall. We will not fall. Because Christ Himself is building something within us that cannot be overcome.

This promise is more than a theological platitude. It is intensely personal and a promise meant for us to hold close. It is a truth that will keep us from sinking into discouragement, will ground us in confidence amid the world's shifting moral confusion, and will nurture peace in our hearts when the chaos of battle surrounds us.

The Church is still standing, built upon the faith and fidelity of Peter’s bold declaration to Jesus: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). 

And we, as the body of Christ and members of His Church, are still standing, built upon the faith and fidelity that we enact and fortify daily: within the walls of our homes, offices, and schools; in the hidden sacrifices made by choosing our vocations over ambition; on the floor as we kneel before the monstrance in quiet prayer; at the bedside vigil of a suffering loved one; and in the confessional, owning both what we have done and what we have failed to do.

Jesus gives us a striking image: “the gates of the netherworld.” That poetic word—netherworld—represents the forces of death, evil, and despair. But notice: gates are not weapons of attack; they are defenses.

Our Lord is not saying we will merely survive the attacks of hell. He is stating that hell’s gates will never withstand the force of the Church’s advance. 

My friends, we are on the offensive. 

The Church is advancing, not retreating. The kingdom is breaking in, not backing down. The power of the world cannot stand against it. Instead of retreating from the darkness when the world presses in on the walls of our homes and hearts, can we allow this to be our rallying cry? We will not fall, because He who lives within us, His Church, is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

Jesus did not promise ease in this world. However, when the gates of hell surround us—be they anxiety, fear, addiction, division, shame, or despair—when the headlines scream out the increasing confusion of our culture or the rejection of life and truth, we must remember He promised victory. “Take heart, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Like Peter, we will have moments of weakness. The Church is not built on perfect people; it’s built on faithful ones. Every time we choose truth in a culture of relativism, praise God in our pain, forgive when it’s challenging, or cling to hope when it hurts, we participate in His victory. The power of this world, the power of death, does not stand a chance. 

As Peter’s proclamation of faith in the gospel was a revelation given to Him by our Father, so too, can we rely on the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Spirit—to pour grace upon grace upon us. No matter how world-weary we become, we can “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7), and live confidently in the promise Christ has given us: we know how this story ends. 

It ends in His glorious and triumphant victory. Life wins. Love never fails. And, hope in Christ will never disappoint. 

With you on the journey,
Jeannine

Food for thought or journaling… 

What burdens lie heavy on your heart? How might Christ be inviting you to surrender that burden into His victorious hands? Where in your life are you being called to stand firm in faith and not retreat in fear? 

Lord Jesus, when the world feels too heavy, ground me in Your promises of hope. Strengthen my heart to believe I will stand firm, because You are faithful. Keep me rooted in Your truth. Pour out Your peace upon my fears, and when I grow weary, remind me, again and again, that no darkness can overcome the light You bring. Amen.