From Father Al’s Pen
24th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“But you, who do you say I am?” This would have to be one of the most powerful questions of the gospels. It echoes down the centuries and is just as relevant today as it ever was. “Who do you say I am?” Our answer to that question is perhaps the most revealing statement of our faith. Our answer no doubt changes over time as we grow in understanding and as we experience the ups and downs of life, but nonetheless, just like Peter in the gospel passage, our answer remains a clear statement of our faith. “Who do you say I am?” Just a good guy who lived 2,000 years ago? A role model? A friend? God made flesh? The Word come down from heaven? Nobody? Everybody? Our savior? An inspired man of God? The Messiah?
Perhaps you’ve never tried to actually answer the question yourself. It is a confronting question, “Who do you say I am?” It’s confronting because, as Christian people, we believe that our actions are a reflection of our beliefs and values. It’s confronting because whatever we say in answer to that question has implications for the way we live. “Who do you say I am?” You see, the question is in the present tense, not the past. It doesn’t ask “Who do you say I was?” it asks, “Who do you say I AM?” The very question asks us to recognize that Jesus was not just some guy who lived 2,000 years ago, but rather someone who continues to be a presence in our lives today. And he stands before each and every one of us today and asks that same, demanding, confronting, purposeful question: “Who do YOU say I am?”
A special thanks to Fr. Karras for sharing his ministry with us while I am away!
Fr. Al