"THE REAL IDENTITY OF JESUS":
'Who do you say that I am?'
First Reading: Isaiah 50: 5-9
Second Reading: James 2: 14-18
Gospel Reading: Mark 8: 27-35
* First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. This passage describes the sufferings and the rejection experienced by Isaiah from the people of Israel. He assures us that although people try to disgrace and harm him in every way, the one who trusts in the Lord will not be harmed in any way. He affirms that God vindicates and protects such a person. This passage alludes to the rejection of the suffering servant of the Lord God. It also points to Christ who will undergo all manner of sufferings.
* Second reading is from the letter of St. James. In this passage the Apostle exhorts the Christian community that faith itself is of no use if that faith is not accompanied by action. He gives the specific example of a person who is hungry and that of another who needs clothing. It is not enough to say to such a person, be filled or to the other, be warmed and we do not make any effort to give the person food or clothing. So our faith should be seen in action.
"Confession of St. Peter: 'You are the Christ the Messiah'"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. In this passage Jesus gives us some important clarifications about Himself and His mission. On His way to the village Caesarea Phillippi, Jesus put a very vital question to His disciples. "Who do men say that I am?" In response, disciples gave various answers: some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah or one of the ancient prophets etc. Then Jesus put a very personal question to His disciples. "Who do you say that I am?" Immediately St. Peter confessed "You are the Christ - the Messiah - the anointed one of God".
Subsequently Jesus tried to explain to the disciples what it means to be the Messiah or Christ. It would mean that He has to suffer much and die. The disciples could never understand or appreciate such an answer. Hence they vehemently protested saying, such a thing should never happen. Then Jesus explained to them that to be His disciple would mean that one should take up one's cross and follow Him.
Jesus is putting the same question to each one of us as He put the question to His disciples. Each of one has to make a personal decision regarding who Jesus is for him/her.
To be part of Jesus' life would mean that we have to die to our selfishness and pride every day of our lives.
'Who do you say that I am?'
First Reading: Isaiah 50: 5-9
Second Reading: James 2: 14-18
Gospel Reading: Mark 8: 27-35
* First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. This passage describes the sufferings and the rejection experienced by Isaiah from the people of Israel. He assures us that although people try to disgrace and harm him in every way, the one who trusts in the Lord will not be harmed in any way. He affirms that God vindicates and protects such a person. This passage alludes to the rejection of the suffering servant of the Lord God. It also points to Christ who will undergo all manner of sufferings.
* Second reading is from the letter of St. James. In this passage the Apostle exhorts the Christian community that faith itself is of no use if that faith is not accompanied by action. He gives the specific example of a person who is hungry and that of another who needs clothing. It is not enough to say to such a person, be filled or to the other, be warmed and we do not make any effort to give the person food or clothing. So our faith should be seen in action.
"Confession of St. Peter: 'You are the Christ the Messiah'"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. In this passage Jesus gives us some important clarifications about Himself and His mission. On His way to the village Caesarea Phillippi, Jesus put a very vital question to His disciples. "Who do men say that I am?" In response, disciples gave various answers: some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah or one of the ancient prophets etc. Then Jesus put a very personal question to His disciples. "Who do you say that I am?" Immediately St. Peter confessed "You are the Christ - the Messiah - the anointed one of God".
Subsequently Jesus tried to explain to the disciples what it means to be the Messiah or Christ. It would mean that He has to suffer much and die. The disciples could never understand or appreciate such an answer. Hence they vehemently protested saying, such a thing should never happen. Then Jesus explained to them that to be His disciple would mean that one should take up one's cross and follow Him.
Jesus is putting the same question to each one of us as He put the question to His disciples. Each of one has to make a personal decision regarding who Jesus is for him/her.
To be part of Jesus' life would mean that we have to die to our selfishness and pride every day of our lives.
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