Every Sunday, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
Jesus asks the question of his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” The term “Son of Man” was often used to denote the person speaking. Jesus is asking, “What are people saying about my identity?”
Back then, just as today, people had different opinions of Jesus. Some say a great prophet, others a great teacher, others a great moral guide. All these are true, but none go far enough. It is Peter who gets to the heart of the matter when he says, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
That was quite a radical statement.
Jesus next stated that Peter, with this radical statement of belief, was the rock upon which he would build the Church. It is the same faith that is declared by the successors of Peter, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. It is the faith that we strive to adhere to, profess, and proclaim.
It is also the question that each of us must continue to answer if we call ourselves Christian: “But who do you say that I am?”
Have a blessed week everyone.