In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus asks his disciples a question: “Who do you say I am?”. About a decade ago I was asked this question at a community meeting. I realized that most of us run to Jesus for our specific needs or requirements. But it is only a handful of people who know the identity of Jesus. Back at Caesarea Philippi, many answered the question based on their common views. Some said that Jesus was one of the great prophets come back to life. This belief may have stemmed from Deuteronomy 18:18, where God said he would raise up a prophet from among the people. Peter, however, confessed Jesus as divine and as the promised and long-awaited Messiah. Jesus praised Peter for his confession of faith. It is faith like Peter’s that is the foundation of Christ’s Kingdom. If Jesus were to ask us this question, how would we answer? Are we still confused? Or are we certain of who Jesus is? Let us take some time to ask ourselves: Who is Jesus to me?

PRAYER: Abba Father, thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus. Amen.