Ordinary Time, 21st Sunday (A) CESAREA PHILIPPI - Jesus of Nazareth today revealed the blueprints of a brand new building project. Jesus first affirmed his true identity as "the Christ" and the "Son of God." He then shocked his followers by choosing Simon the fisherman to be the foundation of his new church. In an apparent rebranding, Simon's name was changed to "Rocky." "I give you the keys of the kingdom," Jesus said, in a reference to Isaiah 22. "Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

The site of the press conference in northern Palestine took advantage of Cesarea Philippi's impressive wall of rock as a dramatic backdrop. Reference was also made to the ancient pagan temple, the "gates of hell," at the base of the rock. There has been controversy over whether Simon's relatives had supported or opposed his candidacy; one of his brothers and two cousins are also Jesus's followers. Jesus was confident that this will complete a project his Father began more than a millennium ago. His followers seemed caught off-guard by the announcement and gave conflicting answers as to when and how construction would begin. The press was not given access to any blueprints and Jesus did not answer any questions.

Editor's Note: This story was temporarily embargoed and is only being published now after Jesus's untimely death and rumored resurrection.

(23 Aug 2026)

Going Deeper: How does the Catholic Church's persistence through history witness to Jesus as the true rock? Is your life built on Jesus Christ?

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