I wonder how many men named Peter know that originally it was a nickname. Jesus gave Simon a name based on the word for “rock.” Like any good nickname, Jesus had a reason to give this one. Peter had just acknowledged Jesus to be the Son of God and the Messiah (Christ). Jesus used that as an opportunity to teach us about the importance of faith as the foundation of the church.
The church was initially the Jews who followed Jesus. For them, the tradition of a coming messiah was a symbol of their hope for the future.
Believing that Jesus was the Messiah first meant that he was the reason to hope. But more importantly, it showed what “messiah” really means.
There were many variations on what people thought the messiah would be. Some expected a political leader who would unite the Jews and maybe even overthrow their Roman masters. Others thought he would be a wonder-worker, like a super-hero, who would use his power to make Israel a great and free nation. Or perhaps the messiah would provide food and riches in abundance.
By calling Jesus the Messiah, we see that he saves us not by royal leadership, or amazing feats, or great riches, but by giving his life for us on the cross. He shows that love is a greater power than political power or wealth. By learning about Jesus, we learn about the love of God for us. We learn that Jesus has fulfilled all messianic hopes. He unites not just the Jews, but all people who believe in him. He sets us free from sin and death. He feeds our spiritual hunger with his own Body and Blood in the Eucharist.
By commending Peter’s faith, Jesus shows us that faith is the foundation (rock) of the church. For the church is not just a social club of people who like to worship the same way; it is a family of people who believe all that Jesus taught because we believe in the person of Jesus. That is, we don’t just believe that Jesus was real. We affirm that he is alive and important to our lives. We have experienced him in his words, in the sacraments, and in each other. May our faith always be solid as a rock.
Tom Schmidt, Diocesan Publications
Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB