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Christ and His Disciples

First Reading: Jer. 31:31-34

Psalm: Ps. 51:12-13, 14-15, 18-19

Gospel: Mt. 16: 13-23

In today’s gospel, Jesus asks his disciples what he means to them individually and personally. Jesus was not testing his disciples if they knew the facts and background data about his life. He was more interested to know about their personal and intimate relationship with him, and how they defined this connection. Indeed, though the Jesus is the Savior of all mankind, let us not forget that a one-on-one, meaningful rapport with him is equally important.

Imagine if Jesus himself asked us the question: “Who do you say I am?” After going through a lengthy discourse about the details of his life, his ministry, and reciting the words to every memorized prayer, he smiles and says: “Okay, that’s all on the record, but who am I to you?” What would be our answer?

In a song entitled “How Real am I?”, a part of the lyrics goes, “My Body and Blood, or just bread and wine? Does it come from your heart, or just from your mind?” Are we Catholic-Christians by mere instruction, or true commitment? Is our familiarity with our Faith based on textbook knowledge, or living experience? Do we know Jesus in our heads, but not in hearts?

Who do we say he is?

One Bread, One Body

<< Thursday, August 9, 2012 >>

St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross
Saint of the Day

Jeremiah 31:31-34
View Readings

Psalm 51:12-15, 18-19

Matthew 16:13-23

"WHO DO I SAY THAT I AM?"

"Who do you say that I am?" —Matthew 16:15

Jesus asked His apostles: " 'Who do you say that I am?' 'You are the Messiah,' Simon Peter answered, 'the Son of the living God!' " (Mt 16:15-16) Peter's response was right, sincere, and a grace from God (Mt 16:17). However, Peter did not correctly understand what he had professed. Not long afterwards, Jesus even "turned on Peter and said, 'Get out of my sight, you satan! You are trying to make Me trip and fall. You are not judging by God's standards but by man's' " (Mt 16:23).

Maybe you have given your life to Jesus. You may have truly meant it when you accepted Jesus as your Savior and Lord. Nevertheless, you may have not been "judging by God's standards but by man's" (Mt 16:23). You need to say with St. Paul: "We no longer know Him by this standard" (2 Cor 5:16).

Right now, give your life to Jesus again — by His standards, not yours. Love the Lord with all your heart, and let Jesus, not you, determine what "all" means. Don't try to make Jesus in your image and likeness, and then confess this Jesus as a projection of yourself. Rather, be "formed into the pattern of His death" (Phil 3:10). Let Jesus be Lord of your accepting Him as Lord.

Prayer: Jesus, may You not fit into my life, but may I fit into Yours.

Promise: "The days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah." —Jer 31:31

Praise: St. Teresa converted from Judaism to the Catholic Church. She always kept her Jewish people dear to her heart, offering her life to God as a sacrifice for their spiritual welfare.