THE TRUE 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. The sufferings and the rejection experienced by Prophet Isaiah from the people of Israel are narrated. Many people try to disgrace him and harm him on various occasions, but he firmly trusts in the Lord God. He will not be harmed in any way because the Lord God vindicates him and protects him. Prophet Isaiah's rejection and sufferings are an allusion to the suffering servant (Jesus) of the Lord God. Further, Isaiah tells us how to recognize the Messiah. In spite of his many sufferings, the Messiah will be the one who will not turn back from his course. Instead, he will set his face like flint and go on to achieve his purpose.
*Second reading is from the letter of St. James. The Apostle exhorts the Christian community that faith in itself is of no use if it is not accompanied by concrete actions. He gives the specific example of a person who is hungry and that of another who has no clothing. It is not enough to tell the hungry person, 'be filled' or the other, 'be warmed' without making any effort to give food or clothing to the needy. Hence, our faith should lead us to appropriate actions. A faith that does not lead to works of love -such as kindness, compassion, forgiveness - is indeed useless and dead. In this context St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta says: 'If we believe, we will love. If we love, we will serve.'
"You are the Christ: The Messiah" (The confession of St. Peter) Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. During His discussion with His disciples, Jesus gives us some important clarifications about Himself and His divine mission. On His way to the village, Caesarea Philippi, Jesus puts two important questions to His disciples. First: "Who do men say that I am?" The disciples give various answers: Some say, John the Baptist, others say, Elijah or one of the ancient prophets etc. Then Jesus puts a very personal question to them. "Who do you say that I am?" Immediately, St. Peter confesses: 'You are the Christ- the Messiah, the anointed one of God.' Subsequently, Jesus tries to explain to them the significance of being the Messiah or the Christ. He tells them plainly that He has to suffer much and finally die. The disciples do not comprehend or appreciate such an answer from their Master. Hence, they vehemently protest saying: Such a thing should never happen. Jesus patiently explains to them: to be His disciple would mean that anyone who follows Him, must take up his cross daily and follow Him. And whoever wants to be first has to be the servant of all. This is a total reversal of values in the kingdom of Jesus. Probably not only the disciples but we too often fail to understand the values of Jesus. Jesus is putting the very same question to each one of us. Each of us has to make a personal decision regarding who Jesus is for him/her. To be a part of Jesus' life would mean that we have to die to our selfishness, pride , desire for power and positions in all its forms in our daily lives. Jesus had to lose His life and die to enter into the glory by rising from the dead. May the Lord Jesus who took up the cross and died for us strengthen us in our daily trials and crosses that we too may receive the eternal reward promised by Him. Amen.
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