Jesus asks his disciples a question completely out of the blue. “Who do people say that I am ?” That question they all have and answer for. Then he asks them a question that requires a lot more thought. “But who do YOU say that I am ?” This question really makes them think. Only Peter has the courage to respond. How would we respond ?
Like the disciples, as we grow closer to Christ, the more he reveals of himself to us. The disciples came to believe he was the Messiah. But what kind of Messiah was he ?
There were many misconception about who he was. He made it clear that he was not a political liberator who was going to destroy the Roman domination of Israel. Rather he made it clear to Peter and the others that he must suffer greatly and be rejected. He made it clear to them that salvation is accomplished only through the cross.
If we want to share in his victory, then we must take up our cross and follow where he leads us. To know Jesus is to know the power of his victory on the cross over sin and death. The Holy Spirit gives us that knowledge. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to faithfully live the Gospel, and the courage to witness to others the joy, truth and freedom of living the Gospel.
So, who do you say that Jesus is ?
St. Joseph, pray for us !
DeColores, Deacon Doug
