September 25
Peter’s Confession
Today's Gospel: Luke
9:18-22
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Today’s Gospel:
Luke 9:18-22 (Peter’s Confession)
“Now it happened
that as he was praying alone the disciples were with him; and he asked them,
"Who do the people say that I am?" And they answered, "John the
Baptist; but others say, Elijah; and others, that one of the old prophets has
risen." And he said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" And
Peter answered, "The Christ of God." But he charged and commanded
them to tell this to no one, saying, "The Son of man must suffer many
things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be
killed, and on the third day be raised."
Reflection:
Jesus asks a
question that goes straight to the heart. "Who do you say that I am?"
Peter answers for all of us: "The Christ of God." That's not a catechism
answer; that's more like a heartfelt personal declaration. And it's the same
question for you today, right now, before you finish reading today’s reflection.
Here's the thing about following Jesus: He was always upfront with all of us.
He told His own disciples that He would suffer, be rejected, and He would ultimately
be killed. No shortcuts on this journey; an easy path does not exist. If we
want any share in His resurrection, we also have to carry a cross and follow Him.
Some crosses are light, but some are brutal and extremely heavy. God knows
exactly what you can handle, and He never gives us more than we can carry. The
Holy Spirit doesn't just comfort you in this; it rejuvenates you. Jesus gives us
courage to stand up and say what Peter said, out loud, with your life, without
fear or hesitation.
So why did Jesus tell them to stay quiet? Because the story wasn’t yet finished.
Only then would the full truth make sense to the world. We live on this side of
the gospels; the silence is over. The mystery has been revealed, and there's
nothing left holding you back from telling someone who Jesus is to you.
Have you actually answered
Jesus's question, or just recited it? What is your cross, and are you carrying
it or avoiding it? If you really believed what Peter believed, who would you
tell today?
Rosary Man Jim 🌹
Freely given. Freely shared.