Who do you say that I am?

“Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah,
still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Simon Peter said in reply,
“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 16:13-16

Today’s reflection for Sustenance Sunday comes from a homily by the Rev. James P. Dougher of my home parish of St. Peter’s in Wellsboro, Pa.

Fr. Dougher says in today’s Scripture reading, Jesus asks each of the disciples out of their experience who he is. He is not looking for biographical information or that he is a carpenter or a friend. He is asking them what their experience of faith is. Only Peter is able to answer: “Yes, Lord, you are the Christ,” because of the faith that is planted within him to give that response to Jesus. It is that same response we should be able to give.

“It’s not just a question from sacred Scripture from 2,000 years ago, but it’s also for us directed in our everyday lives. We certainly do answer by how we pray, how attend Mass, by what we say and do to others. How do we respond to the question?….Out of a relationship built on faith and love? Let us be mindful of that question: ‘Who do you say that I am?’

Lord, let me be especially mindful this week of my answer to your question, in how I pray, and how I speak and act toward others. Amen.