The Rock and the Stone of Stumbling

Num 20:1-13, Psalm 94, Mt 16:13-23

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, today’s Scriptures confront us with a stark spiritual paradox: God chooses flawed human instruments to manifest His power—yet one moment of pride or resistance can shatter our mission. In Moses’ lapse at Meribah and Peter’s dramatic shift from rock to stumbling block, we discover both a warning and an invitation to surrender to Divine Providence.

In today’s first reading, in the desert of Zin, the people rage against Moses and Aaron over water shortages. God commands Moses: “Take the staff… tell the rock to yield its water” (v. 8). Instead, Moses strikes the rock twice while rebuking the people: “Listen, you rebels! Shall we bring water for you?” (v. 10). Water flows, but God declares: “Because you did not trust Me… you shall not lead this people into the land” (v. 12).

Moses’ disobedience was threefold: Pride (“*Shall we bring water?”) — claiming God’s power as his own. Distrust — striking the rock rather than speaking to it as commanded. Anger — lashing out at Israel’s suffering. As a punishment, Forgoing entry into Canaan shows that leaders’ sins have grave consequences (CCC 408). Yet God still provided water—proving His fidelity despite human failure. Pope Francis said, “When leaders seek power for themselves rather than service, they betray God’s trust” (Homily, Sept 29, 2015). Yet God still provided water—proving His fidelity despite human failure. Pope Francis said, “When leaders seek power for themselves rather than service, they betray God’s trust” (Homily, Sept 29, 2015).

In today’s Gospel, at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asks: “Who do you say I am?” Peter proclaims: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!” Jesus declares him “Rock” (Petros) and promises to build His Church upon him, giving him the “keys of the Kingdom” (v. 19). Moments later, when Jesus foretells His Passion, Peter rebukes Him. Jesus responds: “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me!” (v. 23).

Peter is simultaneously: The Rock: Receiving divine revelation and authority to bind/loose (CCC 552), and A Stumbling Block: Opposing God’s plan of redemptive suffering. Peter’s “Satan” moment echoes the wilderness temptation (Mt 4:8-10)—seeking a Messiah of power, not the Cross. The Keys: Symbolize Peter’s role as chief steward of Christ’s Kingdom (Is 22:22; Rev 3:7). His authority persists despite his flaws (Lk 22:32). St. Augustine said, “Peter is called ‘Rock’ for his faith, but ‘Satan’ for his worldly counsel. Christ builds His Church on the Rock of faith, not on human weakness” (Sermon 76).

In our daily life, we should be aware of the “Shall We?” Syndrome (Moses’ Error). When God works through you, never claim His glory. And also, we should obey exactly (The Unstruck Rock). God’s methods matter as much as His ends. Moses achieved water but lost Canaan. Furthermore, we should embrace the Cross (Peter’s Conversion). Reject any “Christianity” that avoids suffering. St. Rose of Lima said, “Apart from the Cross, there is no other ladder by which we may get to heaven.” Finally, we should return to Mercy After Failure. Moses still led Israel to Canaan’s edge; Peter became the Church’s cornerstone. God’s plans prevail despite our sins.

Moses and Peter reveal a searing truth: God’s grace flows through human weakness, not around it. Moses’ pride at Meribah cost him the Promised Land, yet Deuteronomy ends with God Himself burying His servant (Dt 34:6). Peter’s collapse at Caesarea was reversed at Pentecost, when the Rock became a fountain of living water.

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Christ still asks: “Who do you say I am?” If we answer with Peter’s faith, He will build His Church on our witness. But if we cling to pride or reject the Cross, we risk becoming stones of scandal.
Let Moses’ staff and Peter’s keys remind us: True authority is surrendered service. True strength is trust in the God who brings living water from the Rock—and life from the Cross. Amen.