In today’s Gospel Jesus asks: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” His disciples gave the latest poll readout of that day. However, Jesus is interested in a more profound question concerning His identity. He asks: “Who do you say that I am?”
It is only by divine revelation and inspiration that Peter could declare the true identity of Jesus: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.”
To confirm the accuracy of Peter’s Confession, Jesus made several significant and symbolic statements.
- He declared Peter blest for responding to the Revelation he was given.
- He conferred a new name on Peter—He hence forth be called “Rock”.
- He promised to make Peter the foundation on which he would build his Church.
- He gave Peter the authority and power to heal and forgive.
This is one of those classic eternal questions all of us have to confront: “and you, who do you say that I am?” It is a personal question that demands a personal response from each of us. It is a critical question that calls for us to make a commitment one way or the other. It is a decisive question whose answer will determine our entire destiny.
If Jesus is truly God’s Son, we confess that and live accordingly, or else we deny it and do our own thing. We can not escape the challenge given us. Either we declare His divine identity in human form and follow Him, or we denounce Him as a phony and find someone else. Is He a nice guy who said a lot of nice things, or is He your Lord and Savior, who gives you peace. Is He just another myth, or is he your Master and Lord who gives meaning to your life. Who do you say Jesus is?
God Bless
Msgr. Powell