Jas 2:1-9
Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7
Mk 8:27-33 Full Readings
Seven Founders of the Servite Order
But you, who do you say that I am?
The phrasing and the formulation of the question of Jesus to his disciples in today's throws us to a deep spiritual reflection of what really it means that Jesus is God, the Messiah and saviour of the world. Cyril of Alexandria comments: "When the disciples had said, 'Some, John the Baptist, and others, Elijah, and others, that some prophet of those in old time has risen up,' he said to them, 'But you, who do you say that I am?' Oh! how full of meaning is that word you! He separates them from all others, that they may also avoid the opinions of others. In this way, they will not conceive an unworthy idea about him or entertain confused and wavering thoughts. Then they will not also imagine that John had risen again, or one of the prophets. 'You,' he says, 'who have been chosen,' who by my decree have been called to the apostleship, who are the witnesses of my miracles. Who do you say that I am?'"(excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 49).
“Who do you say that I am?” Jesus challenges each of us to reflect on our understanding of who he is, who he is to us individually and personally, but also who he is in fact. We can ask ourselves, “What does it mean to me that Jesus is God?” Today we are invited to come to only ourselves: leave what the priest has said that Jesus is, leave what your mum and your father has said, leave behind what you have read in different books about Jesus and all what your friends or pastors have said and go deep into your heart and get that answer, that feeling of who Jesus is to you, that individual experience of Jesus, and then answer Jesus' question which he asks you: But you, who do you say that I am? Which answer is there? on top of your answer, you will find Peter's response, “You are the Christ.”
It is only when we individually experience and move with Jesus, not just moving in crowd with others, that we will truly answer Jesus' question. Jesus always invites us to have individual relationship with, to have time to sit alone with him in silence, may be in your room, in adoration chapel, reading the scripture, listening to inspirational music, and then after give him a name. He may be a brother, a doctor, a healer, a saviour, a provider, or any other name according to the way you have experienced him. It is this name that will enable you grow spiritually and grow closer to him. Not knowing what really Jesus is to you personally, really does not help you much, and with any challenge it is easy to lose him. Name him today, give him names, and he will really be that you name him in your life.
Reflect today on who you say Jesus is? What difference does this make in how you live each day? What difference might it make if you took more seriously your confession of Jesus’ identity? According to your experience with Jesus, Who does Jesus say that you are? Start today the journey of discovering deeply who Jesus is and who he calls me to be.
Let us Pray
Lord Jesus, may you grace be upon me and your Holy Spirit guide me today and always as I discover more deeply who you are to me and what you are calling me to be for you my Lord and my God. Amen
Be blessed.
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