WHAT DO YOU THINK OF JESUS?
(A biblical refection on THE 24th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – 16 September, 2012)
First Reading: Is 50:4-9; Psalms: Ps 115:1-6,8-9; Second Reading: Jas 2:14-18; Gospel Reading: Mk 8:27-35
The setting for today’s Gospel narrative is the flower-covered foothills of misty snowcapped Mount Hermon. There Jesus and the twelve apostles discuss His identity. As they walk near the source of the Jordan River, He calmly asks, “Who do people say that I am?” After hearing their varied responses, the Master replies with another question: “Who do you say that I am?” First Jesus asked what they had heard about Him from others, now He wants to know what they think of Him.
The general public saw Him as the reincarnation of John the Baptist, Elijah or some prophet. Jesus’ close friends, however, acknowledged Him as he long-promise Messiah.
How do people see Jesus today? Many (like Christians) say He’s God. Others (like Jews and Moslems) say He’s great man but not God. Some see Him as a friend and love Him. Others view Him as a judge and fear Him. Many try to imitate Jesus by praying much in church. Others say they act like Him when they’re working for human rights and arms reduction. Some thing His teachings are strict. Others say He’s lenient.
As current disciples, how would we answer Jesus if He asked us what people say about Him? We would have to reply that they say almost everything imaginable – all the way from believing that He lives in each person and directs every thought and action, to the belief that He doesn’t exist at all.
The first question about the public’s view is intriguing, but the second one is more vital and personal. What do you thing about Jesus? Don’t quote some book or authority. Just answer from your own honest belief. Is He really God? Did He die for you? Does He know your name? Do you see Him in your neighbour; feel Him in yourself; hear Him in the words of scripture; sense His presence in the Eucharist? Can you relax with Him or does He scare you? Perhaps we feel like Pilate, who after a brief encounter with Him asked publicly, “What am I to do with Jesus?”
Peter triumphantly call Him “Messiah,” but rejects the thought of a suffering Messiah. Jesus dramatically corrects him. Today’s Gospel concludes with Jesus calling together both the crowd and the twelve to remind them, “If a man wishes to come after Me, he must deny his very self, take up his cross and follow in My steps.” I believe Jesus is demanding yet understanding. I believe He’s a fair judge yet a personal friend. I believe He’s a profound, unfolding mystery. What do you think?