Twenty -first Sunday in Ordinary Time
In this Sunday’s Gospel we see Jesus asking the disciples a very important question; “Who do people say that I am? The disciples answer, sounding like they have discussed this question among themselves before. Their answer varies to include John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. Jesus then asks a more important question to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Jesus asks that same question of us as well. It is a question that each of us needs to answer for ourselves, it is that important. So often in our lives we look to others for how to respond to questions, or how we should act, or whom we should have as friends. We want to fit in, be accepted and be liked by everyone.
I get it, growing up I struggled with those same issues. It was important for me to be liked and accepted, I wanted to fit in and at times would even change my feelings or thoughts to be the same as others because acceptance was so important. Maybe you have felt similar.
I remember as well, that there was a point in my life where that way of thinking changed, and it began when I encountered Jesus in my life in a real and personal way for the first time. When that relationship with Jesus began and my faith became important to me, I found myself having to respond to the question Jesus asks; “Who do you say I am?”
My answer to His question changed my life. When we respond to the question the way Peter did; “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God,” our lives have to change. We can no longer live the way we did before we said yes, before we knew and accepted who Jesus is.
Loving the Lord and understanding who He is to us requires action on our part and a constant asking and answering the question Jesus asks in today’s Gospel. That question and my answer has shaped my entire life. I am no longer that teen struggling to fit in and be loved, as I understand that Jesus loves me as I am, and that love has changed me and my life. It has also asked me to share that love with others, to be bold and share my faith and the difference it makes in my life daily!
I encourage you all this week to spend some time in prayer, to open your hearts and respond to the question that Jesus is asking you today; “Who do you say I am?”
“Who Do You Say I Am?” by Lisa Valentino, Fiat Ventures
Twenty -first Sunday in Ordinary Time
In this Sunday’s Gospel we see Jesus asking the disciples a very important question; “Who do people say that I am? The disciples answer, sounding like they have discussed this question among themselves before. Their answer varies to include John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. Jesus then asks a more important question to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Jesus asks that same question of us as well. It is a question that each of us needs to answer for ourselves, it is that important. So often in our lives we look to others for how to respond to questions, or how we should act, or whom we should have as friends. We want to fit in, be accepted and be liked by everyone.
I get it, growing up I struggled with those same issues. It was important for me to be liked and accepted, I wanted to fit in and at times would even change my feelings or thoughts to be the same as others because acceptance was so important. Maybe you have felt similar.
I remember as well, that there was a point in my life where that way of thinking changed, and it began when I encountered Jesus in my life in a real and personal way for the first time. When that relationship with Jesus began and my faith became important to me, I found myself having to respond to the question Jesus asks; “Who do you say I am?”
My answer to His question changed my life. When we respond to the question the way Peter did; “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God,” our lives have to change. We can no longer live the way we did before we said yes, before we knew and accepted who Jesus is.
Loving the Lord and understanding who He is to us requires action on our part and a constant asking and answering the question Jesus asks in today’s Gospel. That question and my answer has shaped my entire life. I am no longer that teen struggling to fit in and be loved, as I understand that Jesus loves me as I am, and that love has changed me and my life. It has also asked me to share that love with others, to be bold and share my faith and the difference it makes in my life daily!
I encourage you all this week to spend some time in prayer, to open your hearts and respond to the question that Jesus is asking you today; “Who do you say I am?”