Jesus asks a direct question of his disciples, “Who do the people say that I am? Who do you say that I am?” Ian Peoples, SJ, reflects on Peter’s answer and what it says about who we are. Based on the readings for Sunday, August 23, 2020.
Hey! What’d they say about me?!
Hi, I’m Ian Peoples and this is my One-Minute Reflection.
Jesus, like most of us, wanders what people think about him.
Often, I’m preoccupied with the opinion of others. What do they think of me? Did I say the wrong thing? Was the thing I just did awkward?
Jesus asked his disciples what people thought of him. I imagine Jesus felt the same way as I do when I worry about how others perceive me. Peter’s answer to Jesus’s question, “Who do people say that I am,” is the answer I need to remember when faced with my own insecurities.
Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God.
Peter identity, like ours, is wrapped up in our confession of who Christ is. It’s a strong foundation that gives Peter boldness to go where Christ calls him, and even the gates of hell shall not prevail against him and us, the Church.