Who Do you say that I am

Today’s Gospel brings us to a very important moment in the relationship between Jesus and his disciples. Jesus asks them a question that is easy to answer: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They give him different answers—John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.

Then Jesus makes the question personal: “But who do you say that I am?”

This is perhaps the most important question in the whole Christian life.

It is not enough to know what other people say about Jesus. It is not enough to come to Mass because our parents brought us, because it is our tradition, or because we have always done it. At some point, each of us has to answer Jesus personally: “Who are you for me?”

Peter answers: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Notice that Peter does not simply say, “You are a good man,” or “You are a great teacher.” He recognizes Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God. His faith has moved from knowing about Jesus to recognizing who Jesus truly is.

And Jesus tells Peter that this realization did not come simply from human intelligence: “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.”

This reminds us that faith is ultimately a gift. We can study, listen, read Scripture and ask questions, but we also need the grace of God to open our hearts.

“Who do you say that I am?”

If Jesus is truly the Son of God, then that should affect the way I treat my spouse, my children, my parents, my coworkers, my neighbours and even those with whom I disagree.

If Jesus is the Messiah, then I cannot receive him at the altar on Sunday and deliberately create suffering for others on Monday.

If Jesus is the Son of the living God, then my faith must become visible in my life.

Our challenge this week is therefore simple: Move from knowing about Jesus to knowing Jesus.