Sunday August 23rd 2020: Read Br Michael’s Gospel Reflection The 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Who do you say I am?
In the gospels, Jesus says many wonderful things. But the questions that he asks are far more challenging. In the gospel today, as Jesus is walking with his followers, he turns and asks them a direct and somewhat strange question; ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ They offer him a list of names that they have probably heard in the market place and on street corners. None of these seems satisfy him.
Jesus responds with a more personal and demanding question; ‘But you, who do you say that I am?’ There is a sense that with this second question Jesus is not interested in gossip, rumours or hearsay. He is asking and looking for a very personal and heartfelt response from his closest friends. He doesn’t want second hand or even fake news!
Peter steps forward as the voice of the group and replies with courage, confidence and conviction, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God’. Peter is rewarded for his faithful response by being given a new name; Peter the Rock upon whom the church will be built. This is a great affirmation and start for Peter. But in next Sunday’s gospel, which continues directly for todays, things take a turn for the worst for him when Jesus challenges and even publically criticises him. More of that next week!
As always, we need to try to make sense of the gospels and scripture for ourselves today. Imagine standing with you Jesus right now. He looks at you, calls you by your name and asks, ‘Who do people that the Son of Man is?’ Like those in the gospel, you might offer a list of names you have heard others use or read in books. Jesus looks directly at you and then asks, ‘But you, who do you say that I am?’ This is a very different and challenging question that requires some response on our part. You have heard the question, what is your response?
As we grow up and develop, hopefully there were people; parents, teachers, catechists and preachers who have introduced us to the person of Jesus. But there comes a time when we need to make a personal choice about Jesus for ourselves. There are so many books that will help us to discover who Jesus is; these are very helpful and important and they have their place.
But in the end, Jesus looks at you me and asks, who do you say that I am? Who am I for you? This question from Jesus is not meant to trip us up or catch us out; he simply wants to enter into a personal and intimate relationship with each of us. Jesus asks us the question and waits patiently and tenderly for our response.
This question of faith is still one that is asked of each of us today. Hopefully we meet and encounter Jesus though each other, in the Word of God and through the life of the sacraments. We are also being called and invited by Jesus to have a deep personal relationship with him on a daily basis. This does not mean that this is private; just between myself and Jesus; my friendship with Jesus is personal but never private. As a follower of Jesus, I am always connected to something bigger and richer than just myself; the Church – the Body of Christ.
Today and over the coming days, take a little time to hear and listen to Jesus asking you personally, ‘who do you say that I am?’
– Br Michael Moore OMI
| Gospel of Sunday August 23rd : Matthew 16:13-20 © |
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Peter declares faith in Jesus and is promised the keys of the kingdom
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.
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