For Sunday, August 27th, 2023
Reading
Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.
Matthew 16:13-20
Reflection
Who is Jesus? There is no more important question. How would you answer?
When Jesus asked the disciples who people said he was, they gave him a few answers: John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or another one of the prophets. Two thousand years later, we still get similar answers. Some say that Jesus was a holy man, a prophet, or merely the central figure of one of the many religions. Interestingly, Chat GPT summarizes these vague views stating that “interpretations about the Son of Man vary across different religions and cultural contexts.” Christians usually say that Jesus Christ is the Son of Man; for others, this is interpreted in different ways. “It’s important to consider the specific context or belief system when discussing this concept.” This roundabout response is really a non-answer.
As Christians, we must have the faith to say—as Peter did—“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Do you believe that Jesus is who he says he is, the Son of God has come into the flesh? This is a bold teaching and one that makes all the difference in our lives. Jesus can only be our salvation and lead us to happiness if he is who he says he is.
When Peter answered the question, he had help. Jesus said, “Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.” Let the same be true for you by allowing the Lord to reveal his identity. Faith is always a gift from God as the Father draws us to his Son, and the Son, in turn, leads us to the Father in love.
We must not only have knowledge of Christ, but we must also allow our faith in the Son of God to penetrate our hearts. Faith leads to charity, just as knowledge leads to love. Receiving the gift of faith is also receiving the first marks of love.
Today, prayerfully consider who you say that the Son of Man is. Allow your answer to open your heart and fill you with a greater love for God. As you begin your silent prayer today, recite this prayer for faith in your heart:
My God, I believe in Thee, because Thou art truth itself, and, as Thou hast revealed them to her, I believe all the sacred truths which the holy Church believes and teaches. Amen
Is it time for your Exodus? Learn more here.
