In this weekend's homily, we are entering the Spiderverse as we talk about one of the most challenging things Jesus says in the Gospels.

Jesus never said, if you wish to be His disciple, kick back and relax.

Instead, He says, "Take up your cross and follow me." He promises suffering, not leisure. But He hasn't abandoned us in the midst of our suffering; He also promises to be right there with us.

Gospel: Matthew 16:21-27

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Authority is not dominion or power; it is loving service and sacrifice.

Jesus gave His authority to Peter and his successors. The Pope is a sign of unity for the 1.3 billion Catholics throughout the world.

Jesus wants each and every one of us to be given that sacrificial care, just as He gave to his disciples as the Shepherd.

Gospel: Matthew 16:13-20

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As Catholic Christians, we are witnesses to the grace of metanoia: spiritual conversion. This is a grace given in the heart of every person.

The question is: Do you work with that grace, or do you push it away?

As we hear in the readings and Gospel today, whether Jew or Gentile, this grace is in each of us, and we are all called to the love of Jesus.

Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28

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