"Who do you say that I am?"
Zech 12: 10-11,13:1
Gal 3: 26-29
Lk 9: 18-24
For
many of us, our teenage years are ones that we would admit were not always easy. While there are good memories, there are also
some painful ones. Maybe it was our
complexion, our mood swings, our inability to feel like we fit in, our
perceived social or physical awkwardness, or other circumstances such as a
tough home life because of parents who were distant from each other and from
us. Whatever our condition may have
been, we also know that in time, things settled down and we began to understand
ourselves and feel more confident about future. The years of our 20’s and
beyond generally begin to set a clearer direction.
But,
the teenage years are a time to search for our own identity and to establish
some sense of independence. The unspoken
but natural question for all of us was, “Who am I?” Often we base our own self-assessment
on the opinion of others.
While
Jesus was hardly in some crisis of personality angst in today’s Gospel (Lk 9:
18-24), he did ask to hear what the crowds were saying about him and ultimately
what his own inner group of disciples thought about his identity. “Who do the
crowds say that I am?”
Was
it a leading question? Did Jesus expect
a particular answer and just bait his disciples? Well, I think it begs the same question from
us today – who do we say Jesus is? The answer to that question cannot be
ignored and does make all the difference in the world and in our individual
lifestyles.
We
find Our Lord in prayerful isolation. The feeding of the 5, 000 has just taken
place. Jesus fled to a deserted place for the people, after experiencing his
power, were ready to make him King! He knew that his mission was a different
kind of power. However, that time alone is productive for he seeks some divine
connection with his Father. The question
next asked by him is significant and in light of what just took place on the
hillside it may hold even more importance.
To
his disciples, evidently nearby, he asks: “Who do the crowds say that I am?”
Remember, they just left the crowds. As
the disciples walked among them for distribution of the miraculously multiplied
loaves and fish, they surely heard some remarks about Jesus: “We heard them
say; John the Baptist, Elijah or one of the ancient prophets!” We can extrapolate to assume that Jesus also
sought what they have been hearing from other crowds they encountered during
his ministry. The question is a general
one.
Then,
Jesus turns to his disciples: “But, who do you
say that I am?” Now, the personal is reached: What do you think? It’s a harder question of course since it demands one
answer from their personal opinion and not to just go along with popular
sentiment. As we know, the ever exuberant Peter states: “The Christ of God!”- the
Anointed One, the Messiah! We can assume Peter stated this with
conviction and not as a rhetorical question.
Matthew’s version (Mt 16: 18) of this scene is perhaps more familiar
since we know that Jesus then addressed Peter as the “rock” upon which “I will
build my Church.” Jesus would have never
made such a bold commission if he was not convinced that Peter was convinced of
this great truth.
Yet,
it seems Luke put emphasis on Jesus’ rebuke to “them.” It apparently wasn’t
only Peter who shared this insight but the other’s as well, though Peter spoke
for the group. He was right. Still, to Peter’s confession of faith, Jesus
offers a reprimand? Why wouldn’t he want it to be known that he was indeed the
Messiah – the Christ of God? After all, to have heard the crowds compare Jesus
to John the Baptist, Elijah or another of the ancient prophets was quite an
honorable comparison.
Scholars
have referred to this as the “messianic secret.” While Jesus’ mission was indeed to all of
humanity and his mission is meant to be good news for all history, it is the messianic
concept of Peter and its implications that Jesus rebukes. Not the person of Peter or the other
disciples but his limited understanding of who and what the Messiah was meant
to be. Not the military leader, the savior of the kingdom of Israel who would
banish the occupying Romans and establish the power of Israel but the suffering
Messiah: “The Son of Man (ancient term for Messiah) must suffer greatly and be
rejected by the elders, the chief priest, and the scribes, and be killed and on
the third day be raised.”
The
Kingdom which Jesus established is beyond geography or political ambition. It is not one that is bound in a particular
period of history or one that begins an earthly monarchy of rulers. It is a kingdom that applies for all times
and is not limited by this world alone but ultimately finds it fulfillment in
the life beyond this one.
Jesus’
sacrifice for us and the graces that flow from that singular event on the cross
and the resurrection forever changed the relationship between humanity and
God. The morals and values we live by
are directly related to Jesus’ own life among us. We are citizens of a kingdom
in which its members are marked by the power of love and service.
As
he carried his cross so must we, he says today.
The denial of the self is about relationship, I feel. If we deny ourselves, recognize that we are
not the center of the universe and that life is a gift meant to be lived
ultimately for others after Jesus’ own example, then we can call ourselves true
disciples of the Lord. It is not so much
about what we do but what he has done for us. The question is always both corporate
and personal at the same time – who do we/you say I am?
Maybe
in our weekly profession of the Creed we see it most evident. We begin “I believe in one God . . .” The
Church, as one united in faith, proclaims “I” believe but it demands that each
member also answer that same profession.
High
ideals? Yes indeed. Impossible to achieve? By ourselves, yes, but with his grace we can
dispose ourselves to such high ideals, even if it means we are judged by others
or persecuted for our faith.
St.
Paul in his letter to the Galatians this Sunday states: “For all of you who
were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ . . .” (Gal:
326-27). As our clothing identifies us so too does our “Christ-clothing.” Our
gathering for Eucharist is when we see our fellow members and we are all sent
out to bring others to see “the Christ of God.”
Grant, O Lord,
that we may always revere and love your holy name,
for you never deprive of your guidance
those you set firm on the foundation of your love.
(Collect for Sunday)
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