"He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?'"
Matthew 16:15
Imagine, if you will, that Jesus asks you, "What have all the others told you about me? What have your parents, your teachers, your priest, your friends, the church, the society in which you live – what are they saying about me?" And you answer with everything you have been told, everything you hear now about who Jesus is. He listens, sometimes smiling, sometimes looking perplexed. When you finish there is a period of deep silence. Finally, Jesus looks you in the eye with such tenderness and love and says, "That is what they say. But you, ______, who do YOU say that I am? Who am I to YOU?"
Peter was inspired in his answer and became the Rock of the Church. Perhaps on this feast, we could ask the Spirit to inspire us to answer Jesus' question with a sincere and courageous heart. The answer has a profound effect on how we live and what we do each day.
Who is Jesus to you? How does that show in your life?
Jesus, thank you for wanting me to be your follower and friend. Stay near that I may follow you and respond to all as you would. Amen.
Today’s Reflection is by:
Sister Cathy Cahill, OSF
Did you know...
Sister Cathy Cahill, OSF, is a Franciscan Sister of Allegany who has been ministering in the diocese since 1989, primarily in retreat work and spiritual direction, She is a member of the community at St. Clare Convent in Tampa.
