Volume II

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Volume II

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22nd

Sunday

8/30/2026

Contents: Volume 2

1. -- Lanie LeBlanc OP - <lanie@leblanc.one>
2. -- Fr. Jude Siciliano OP - <FrJude@JudeOP.org>

3. -- Carmen Mele OP <cmeleop@yahoo.com>

4. --(Your reflection can be here!)

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I find the readings for the 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time both challenging and comforting. Both Jeremiah and Peter must have felt a bit confused as they shared aloud (and we now read and hear) their legitimate feelings about the events of the times. Jesus really does say it all, however, when Jesus reminds Peter (and all of us even not so gently) that God’s thinking is vastly different than that of human beings.

It is a lifelong journey and a difficult one to close the vast gap between Divine and human thinking. It becomes even more difficult when we humans (ahem) try to do it our way, which seems for me, more often than not. The reality checks that Jesus provides in those somewhat rhetorical questions are not to be ignored, however, as unimportant!

The selection from the Letter to the Romans, although not really in the clearest of language, does indeed offer a better pathway. In my opinion, to paraphrase somewhat, we have to accept that sacrifice is essential and try to do so more willingly than with the usual complaints. Don’t just give in to the distractions of our times and take the easy way out! Let Divine guidance and grace lead us closer to what is good and pleasing and perfect in the eyes of the Almighty Creator rather than the almighty dollar, power, job or whatever is our particular human leaning and potential downfall.

The overwhelmed and helpless feelings expressed by Jeremiah or the impulsiveness and “Let’s Go Get’em ” type mentality of Peter can be tempered and redirected by God… if we let God lead us. Slowing down and listening to what God has placed in our hearts is a necessary first step. God will take it from there, for sure. What else is worth more than heading in the right direction and being with God forever?

Blessings,

Dr. Lanie LeBlanc OP

Southern Dominican Laity

lanie@leblanc.one

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Faith Book

22nd SUNDAY (A) August 30, 2026

Isaiah 22: 19-23; Romans 11: 33-36; Matthew 16: 13-20

By: Jude Siciliano, OP

Mini-reflections on the Sunday scripture readings designed for persons on the run. “Faith Book” is also brief enough to be posted in the Sunday parish bulletins people take home.

From today’s Gospel reading:

Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply,

“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Reflection:

Jesus is not just a wise teacher or another prophet like John the Baptist, Elijah or Jeremiah. In our accepting Christ as “the Son of the living God,” and receiving the grace God offers us in him, we can change our lives and affect the world around us. We can more and more show the person of Jesus to the world so that others will also come to acknowledge him as “the Son of the living God.”

So, we ask ourselves:

• What response would we give if Jesus were to ask us what he asked Peter? “But who do you say that I am?”

• What changes must I make so that others will experience me a person who believes that Jesus is “the Son of the living God?”

Click here for a link to this Sunday’s readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082326.cfm

Fr. Jude Siciliano OP - <FrJude@JudeOP.org>

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Carmen Mele OP <cmeleop@yahoo.com>

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Volume 2 is for you. These reflections follow the Liturgical Calendar and appear here about mid-week each week. They are written by various guest authors. If you would like to submit a reflection of your own, or subscribe to free weekly emails, then click here to send an email request to post to the Webmaster. Deadline is Monday morning of each week for the upcoming Sunday.

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