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Homily of His Excellency Selim Sfeir, Maronite Archbishop of Cyprus, Monday, November 3, 2025
Dear beloved friends, welcome to our beautiful Kormakitis!
On behalf of myself and on behalf of the Maronite representative in Parliament, Mr. Yannakis Moussa, the parish priest, and all the priests present among us, I warmly welcome you all: Your Excellencies the ambassadors, the mukhtars, the children of this beloved village, and all friends present with us today.
It is a great joy to see you all here in this place that unites us in God’s love and in love for one another. Today, the heart of Kormakitis beats strongly with joy because we are all gathered — in faith, in love, and in hope.Reflection on Sunday’s Gospel
“But who do you say that I am?”
(St. Matthew 16:13–20)
My dear brothers and sisters,
In today’s Gospel, Jesus leads His disciples to Caesarea Philippi, away from the crowds, to open a personal dialogue with them. He asks:
“Who do people say the Son of Man is?”
They answer: “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
Then comes the most important question — one that is not only addressed to the disciples but to each of us today:
“But who do you say that I am?”
This is the question of faith — a question about our personal relationship with Jesus. We cannot rely only on what others say about Him, or on what we have inherited from tradition or education. Faith is not theoretical knowledge; it is a living encounter with Jesus Christ, one that transforms our hearts and becomes a living testimony.
Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, answers:
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
With this confession, Peter becomes the rock on which Christ builds His Church — not upon human power or authority, but upon true faith and the living presence of God among His people.
But, dear friends, Jesus does not ask us this question today merely for an answer in words. He invites us to look honestly within ourselves:
Is Christ truly at the center of my life?
Do I place Him at the heart of my decisions, in my family, in my work, in my parish?
Does my faith in Him lead me to trust, to peace, and to service toward others?
Today, like Peter, the Church is called to renew her faith every day. Faith is not a past event; it is a continuous journey. And the Lord continues to say to each of us:
“You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.”
That means upon your faith, your sincerity, and your genuine love.
Let us ask the Lord today to make our faith alive and fruitful — not merely words, but a courageous and joyful witness.
And let us remember: every time we confess our faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, we participate in the building of His Church and become living stones in the Temple of God.
