Jesus: Who am I?

    

Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

27 August 2023

 

First Reading: Is 22:19-23

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 138:1-2, 2-3, 6, 8

Second Reading: Rom 11:33-36

Gospel: Mt 16:13-20

 

Reflection

By: Bro. Emerson C. Maala

Pastoral Year Formation

Diocese of Imus

Tahanan ng Mabuting Pastol

 

When I was in my first year of seminary formation, my spiritual director would always ask me, "How am I doing in the seminary?" I would answer him by recounting all my experiences in the four pillars of formation: community, academics, spirituality, and apostolate. Then my spiritual director would have a follow-up question, "How do you see or recognize Jesus in all these experiences?" At first, I did not know how to respond deeply to that question, but I answered him, "It was just a typical experience of routine daily life in the seminary." With this answer, he told me, "To follow Jesus is to see and recognize Him in our daily living." And so, I was awakened. I saw how important it is to see and recognize Jesus through the daily activities we do, through the different people we encounter, and through other things.

The readings for today speak of our faith in God. How do we recognize God in our life? In the first reading, God appointed Eliakim son of Hilkiah because God saw Shebna as unworthy. Here we might understand that God is just. However, St. Paul reminds us of the depth of God’s wisdom and knowledge. He is more than just. This acknowledges the incomprehensibility of God's ways and His unsearchable judgments.  This proves that, as human beings, we are limited in our understanding of God's grand design, and yet we are called to trust in His providence. It teaches us humility, reminding us that while we may not always comprehend God's plan, we can always place our faith in His infinite wisdom.

In the Gospel according to Matthew, Jesus asks His disciples how the people see Him. The disciples answer that some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets. However, Jesus asks His disciples again but in a more personal way, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter, in a moment of inspiration and grace, declares, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."

In part, Jesus is also asking us personally, "But who do you say that I am?" As we reflect on these readings, we are called to examine our own faith journey and to deepen our understanding of who Jesus is in our lives. For He is not merely a historical figure or a wise teacher. He is a friend and a brother whom we can encounter in our daily life. Amen.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, open our hearts and minds to see and recognize You in our daily life, through the different people we encounter. Grant that we may increase our faith in You and be a true missionary disciple of Yours. You who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.