Dear Sisters and Brothers,
In today’s Gospel, Jesus puts the disciples in a difficult position by asking them about his identity. This was after Jesus had been with the disciples for more than two years! The disciples were more than willing to tell Jesus what others were speaking about him: John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the prophets. But then Jesus makes the second question very personal by asking them who they thought Jesus was: “But what about you? … Who do you say I am?” At this point, we perceive a moment of silence, as each one of those present is called to put themselves on the line, manifesting the reason why they follow Jesus. This could happen to us too if Jesus were to ask us today, “who am I for you?”
It is Simon Peter, who, prompted by the Holy Spirit, answers boldly: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus tells Simon that “This was not revealed to you by flesh and blood,” but “by my Father in heaven.” We all need the Father’s revelation, for us to confess Jesus as the Son of God, Our Lord.
Today, we hear Jesus’ question directed to each one of us: “And you, who do you say I am?” And every one of us must give, not a theoretical answer, but an answer that comes from the depths of our hearts! “For me you are …” and then tell Jesus who he is to me! Such an answer demands that we too, like the first disciples, inwardly listen to the voice of the Father speaking within us.
Until and unless I understand, acknowledge and confess my relationship with Jesus, he will remain very distant for me. The Lord invites each one of us to grow in a loving relationship with him and to continually ‘update’ our ‘relationship status’! Does Jesus find a place in my inner circle of friends! Do I believe that I belong to his inner circle of disciples?
Thank you to the parents for bringing the children for the Mass and seeking the Lord’s blessings as they begin the new school year! Let us entrust each one of them and their studies to the Lord. May they experience the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit as they continue their studies! I would like to thank Diane Parzyck, our CCD Director for taking the initiative for the blessing of the backpacks and Nancy Betkoski Smith for the help in organizing it.
United in Prayers,
Fr. Joy Jacob, SDB