Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time, Matthew 16:13-20
Who Do You Say That I Am?
Dear Family,
We are all influenced by what others think and say about us. We want to be respected, appreciated, and well thought of. Parents wonder what their children think of them; teachers care about how their students see them; and all of us, in different ways, are influenced by the opinions of others.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus asks a similar question: “Who do people say that I am?”
The disciples respond with what they have heard: “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” But then Jesus asks the more personal and important question: “But who do you say that I am?”
The first question is easy. We can simply repeat what others say. But the second question requires us to look into our own hearts. It is a question that every disciple of Jesus must answer.
Jesus asks this question at Caesarea Philippi; a place filled with pagan temples and statues dedicated to different gods and to the Roman emperor. In the midst of all these lifeless statues, Peter makes a powerful profession of faith: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Peter recognizes that Jesus is not simply another teacher, prophet, or religious leader. He is the Son of the living God.
Many people throughout history have tried to answer the question, “Who is Jesus?” He never wrote a book, yet countless books have been written about Him. He never composed a song, yet countless songs have been inspired by Him. He never ruled a political kingdom, yet Christians proclaim Him King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
If Jesus is truly our Savior, then His love should be visible in our lives. If He is our Lord, His teachings should guide our decisions. If He is our peace, we should bring peace to our families. If He is Mercy Incarnate, we should become people of mercy and forgiveness.
My brothers and sisters, Jesus asks each one of us today: “Who do you say that I am?”
May our answer not remain merely in our words. May the way we live, love, forgive, serve, and care for others become our answer.
Jesus, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. You are our Lord, our Savior, our hope, and our peace. May our lives always proclaim who You are.
With a heart full of gratitude and prayer,
Fr. Binoy A. Lucka, O.SS.T
Your Pastor, Servant Leader in Christ
Twenty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, Matthew 16:21-27
The Way of the Cross: The Path to Life
Last Sunday, we heard Jesus say to Peter, “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church.” Yet in today’s Gospel, the same Peter hears some of the strongest words Jesus ever spoke: “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me.”
Why such a strong response? The disciples, like many people of their time, expected the Messiah to bring Israel military victory, prosperity, and glory. When Jesus spoke about suffering and death, Peter could not understand. He wanted Jesus to take an easier path: “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.”
But Jesus recognized this as a temptation similar to the one He faced in the wilderness, the temptation to accomplish His mission without the Cross. The word “Satan” means “adversary,” one who stands in opposition. Peter needed to learn that a disciple does not stand in front of the Master to choose the path, but gets behind the Master and follows Him.
There is an important lesson for us. Sometimes we are tempted to believe that love means protecting ourselves and others from every difficulty and suffering. But true love often requires sacrifice. Parents sacrifice for their children; spouses sacrifice for one another; and Christians are sometimes called to sacrifice for their faith. A grain of wheat must fall into the ground and die before it can produce abundant fruit.
Jesus Himself had to pass through the Cross before the Resurrection. Mary endured the sorrow of the Cross before being crowned Queen of Heaven. The saints and martyrs throughout history remind us that suffering united with Christ can lead to glory.
Jesus gives us three requirements for discipleship: deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me.
May we never allow our crosses to separate us from Christ. Instead, may we carry them with faith and love, trusting that God can transform even our suffering into a path toward new life.
With a heart full of gratitude and prayer,
Fr. Binoy A. Lucka, O.SS.T
Your Pastor, Servant Leader in Christ
