Who do people say that I am? Who do you say that I am?” These questions form the central theme of today’s Gospel passage. While we can easily see on the page how the disciples answered these questions when Jesus asked them, I think it’s worth asking ourselves how we would respond in this same situation.
For many of us, I am sure that we would find it easier to answer the first question. We are standing on a foundation of over 2000 years of Church Tradition, with a myriad of writings that help us to understand who Jesus is, and what he came to earth to do. It’s very easy to start quoting statements, creeds, and other writings, all of which give us an objective picture of who Jesus is, and why he is important. It can be much harder, though, to answer the second question. This question requires us to answer from our own experience, or own contact with Jesus. Another way of framing the question is to ask: “Who is Jesus to you?”
To be able to answer this question effectively, we need to be able to cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus. We can do this through prayer and through frequent reception of the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist. This regular contact with Jesus helps us to grow closer to him, and helps us to recognize his presence in our lives. As we become more aware of that presence, we can more effectively answer the question of who Jesus is to us.
When we can truly accept an acknowledge that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, we acknowledge Jesus’ authority over sin and death. We recognize, just as Jesus tells Peter, that the gates of Hades shall not prevail against our confession of faith. We know that even in the midst of difficulties and trials, Jesus stands by us, and reassures us of his love and his guidance, which endure forever, as our psalm response today tells us. In doing so, he reminds us that we are called to live our lives in response to the love that we have received from him.
Once we truly know the love of God, and have found ourselves in deeper relationship with him, we are called to share that love with others that we meet. This is part of the mission that Jesus entrusts to Peter, but it is our mission as well. As Bishop Fabbro has reminded us tirelessly, we are called to be mission-oriented disciples, who go out and form Disciples of Jesus Christ through our words and actions. This week, I encourage you to ask God to show you how you can more fully participate in this mission.
Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Steven Huber, CSB