The 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
“But who do you say I am?" (Mt. 16:13-20)
Jesus to his disciples: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
Disciples to Jesus: “Some say John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.”
Not accepting the disciples’ response, Jesus is more emphatic. “But who do you say I am?” (You have been with me for three years, seen my miracles and witness my works and this is what you come up with? C’mon, guys, give me a break”)
Finally, Peter hits the jackpot! “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus is the Son of the living God.
He truly lives among us. He walks with us throughout our challenges. He rejoices with us in our celebratory moments. He weeps with us when we mourn. He gives us peace when we are anxious and confused. He gives us a blessed assurance when we are in the throes of lapses of faith. He renders mercy when we need forgiveness and compassion. He is the light at the end of the long tunnel of disappointments. He is the healer when the infusion of chemotherapy rebukes that intrusive cancer. And with an everlasting love, He forgives our transgressions, allowing us to remain in a close relationship with Him. Alleluia! Alleluia!
Jesus is the Son of the living God.
In our current times, we are witnesses to some unsettling events that may cause us to experience an identity crisis.
· Who do you say Jesus is when the daily death toll of Covid-19 victims rises as our president glibly professes that the virus will disappear?
· Who do you say Jesus is when food ministries are begging for donations to feed those out of work and on the verge of being evicted?
· Who do you say Jesus is when policemen put their knees on the necks of Black men who struggle to utter “I can’t breathe” as their last earthly words?
· Who do you say Jesus is when a young Black woman sleeping in her own bed becomes a murder victim at the hands of police who have not been charged?
When we profess that Jesus is the Son of the Living God, it is not only a theological tenet but more importantly, it is a personal confession of faith. Our faith in the Living God gives us the power and resolve to be good “troublemakers” to combat racism, thwart injustices, to proclaim that life matters from the womb to the tomb. The Son of the Living God empowers us to stand up (or take a knee) for what we believe.
Jesus is the Son of the Living God! Do you believe that?
Author: Burma S. Hill