Dear Parishioners,

Today’s Gospel is a continuation of the passage we heard last weekend. There are three parts: 1- Peter confesses that Jesus is the Messiah. 2- Peter rejects the mission of the Messiah. 3- Jesus’ teaching.

At first, there is a parallel between Peter’s confession and Peter’s rejection. 1- The confession of Peter we can divided in: a) Peter confesses: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” b) Jesus blesses Peter “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. c) Jesus gives the reason “For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. Flesh and blood: a Semitic expression for human beings, especially in their weakness. d) Jesus gives him a new name: “And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church”

2- The rejection of Peter has its parallel: a) Peter rejects the mission of the Messiah “Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, ‘God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.’” b) and d) Jesus rebukes Peter and calls him with the worst name “He turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. c) Jesus gives the reason You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.’” human beings instead of flesh and blood. There is something important to notice: even though Jesus severely rebukes Peter, He does not take away what He had given him. Peter is still the rock upon which Christ will build His Church. His weakness and misunderstanding do not cancel the mission and authority that Christ has given him.

The final and third point is Jesus’ teaching. After Peter’s confession, the Gospel says: “From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly… and be killed and on the third day be raised.” Why does Jesus immediately speak about His suffering and death after revealing that He is the Messiah? Because this is the nature of His mission. There are two reasons: first, it is the will of the Father; and second, the prophecies of Scripture pointed toward it. But there is also something Jesus wants to teach His disciples: suffering comes before glory. The Cross comes before the Resurrection. Peter wants the glory without the suffering. And, many times, we may be like Peter. We confess Jesus to be our Lord and Savior. We love Him. We want to follow Him. But then, at a certain point, Jesus shows us the way – and it is not always the way we want. We like Jesus, but we do not always like His Cross. We want heaven, but we do not want the cross that leads us there. And Jesus tells us: “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” So let us ask our Blessed Mother to obtain for us the grace to say with Saint Paul: “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.”                                       Fr. Gaston Giacinti, IVE.

WEEKLY NEWS

Sacramental Preparation 2026–2027
The online pre-registration form for Sacramental Preparation is now available on our website! Classes begin in October.
•First Reconciliation & First Communion: Saturdays
•Confirmation: Thursdays
Visit the website www.stjohnpeterborough.ca to register or use the following link https://forms.gle/ksmtC5ymu7oHYF4h9
RCIA – Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
This process, through which adults become fully initiated members of our Catholic faith community, will begin again in October. If you, or someone you know, is interested in learning more about the Catholic faith and the possibility of becoming a Catholic, please contact M. Asterone. It is open to any unbaptized adults, those baptized in other Christian churches, and Catholics who desire to complete their initiation.

St. Johns Silent Auction Bids are open for the St. John the Baptist painting found at the entrance of the church. Bids may be placed in the box next to it.  
In depth Study on the Most Holy Eucharist
This Fall, St John the Baptist Bible Study Group will be starting a new Journey – an in depth Study on the Most Holy Eucharist ‘The Source & Summit of the Christian life’  . Classes will be every other Thursday from 7 pm – 8 pm. For more details contact Daniel Rozario @ 647 928 6414 / email – DanielRozario@live.com
Congratulations to the 50/50 Winner:
The lucky number for August 9 is 0292444 & 0292358 – $81 for the June 14^th raffle.

DIOCESAN &O THER NEWS:

Andrew Roelands Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate With great joy the Diocese of Peterborough will celebrate the Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate of Andrew Roelands on Friday October 23, at 7pm at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Chains by Bishop Daniel Miehm. Everyone is invited to participate and pray for our seminarian Andrew Roelands. 

Still Considering Your School Options for September? It’s not too late to explore Wayside Academy! Located in north Peterborough, Wayside offers private classical Catholic education for students from Kindergarten through Grade 12, with small class sizes, strong academics, and a school culture rooted in the Catholic faith. Wayside is currently accepting applications for the 2026–27 school year, with limited space available in select grades.Families interested in learning more are invited to request a private tour and come see Wayside for themselves. Request a private tour at www.olwayside.ca/admissions2026

Grief Support Group Returns Grieving the loss of a loved one can be one of life’s most difficult journeys, but no one should have to walk it alone. St. Paul’s is once again offering GriefShare, a caring, confidential support group for adults who are grieving the death of a family member or friend.

The 13-week program begins Monday, September 14, and will meet weekly from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. until (and including) December 7th.  The group will meet at the church located within The Mount Community Centre at 1545 Monaghan Road in Peterborough. Cost is $35 which covers the cost of a workbook. To register please visit: https://find.griefshare.org/groups/294900. Or for more information call: 705-745-1411 or email: office@stpaulspeterborough.ca.