Readings and meditation on the Word of God on the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, August 23, 2026

Delivered by Cendani, Michaela and Kezia from the Parish of Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Makassar, Indonesia. Isaiah 22: 19-23; Rs psalm 138: 1-2a.2bc-3.6.8bc; Romans 11: 33-36; Matthew 16: 13-20.GOD APPOINTS A LEADER The theme for our meditation on this 21stSunday in Ordinary Time is : God Appoints a Leader. There is a man who sharedhis experience on his participation in the contest of the election of chief ofthe village. He was one of the two candidates who competed in the race. He has spenta lot of money to fund the entire preparation manage by the managementconsisting of his friends, relatives and volunteers. He was well aware that moneybecomes the king in such political affair. Each voter is are paid.  This story ends in vain because that fellow after alldid not become the chief of his village. He has spent a lot of money but itdidn't benefit him. This was because his competitor had more money. He was so disappointedand regretted accepting the fact that he had lost the competition. However, hefelt more hurt because the elected leader was someone who used fraudulentmethods to become the village leader. Is the appointment of a leader in this way also occursin the Catholic Church? Basically, there is no contestation of election orappointment of leaders in the Church, for example to become parish Priest, Bishopand Pope, using such civil and democratic method. The church has a differentsystem of government from what any country or organization do. The way tochoose a leader in the Church is in nature so different. According to our readings today, there are two veryimportant elements in the process of appointing a leader both for religious andcivil life. They are education or formation and appointment. The prophet Isaiahsaid that with formation, a new leader in Eliakim was chosen by God, by not allowingunbelievers to become leaders. Only believers who can know and understand thepower of God and follow His commands. Through education or formation during a period of timewith Jesus, finally a leader was chosen in the person of the apostle Peter. Hewas appointed from a group of 12 apostles and many other disciples. The Lordalso formally appointed the apostles and disciples and giving them the key tosignify the legitimacy of the power that they should in their mission on behalfof Him. According to the scriptures, the key is used to open an access for thebelievers and to live with the Lord. The Lord Jesus wants to teach us that a leader in thisworld is a messenger of God. Even the birth of modern democracy has shaped acommon belief that all members of society represent the voice of God to electtheir leader. A leader who carries out God's will, is the one who alwaysbelieves that everything comes from God, everything exists because of God andto lead us to God.Let'spray. In the name of the Father ... O Lord, bless us and fill us with Your loveso that we will always be faithful to You. Our Father who art in heaven ... Inthe name of the Father ...