In today's Gospel, Jesus asks His disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" Peter gets his new name as the Rock on which the Church is built by telling Jesus that He is the Messiah. In today's homily, we were asked to think about who we say that Jesus is. Considering the different ways that people have presented Jesus, I feel that this is an important element of my faith to examine: Who do I say that Jesus is?
For me, Jesus is the Lord and Savior of the world--even those, like myself, who are otherwise unworthy. Thus, Jesus is the fulfillment of the law and prophesy of the Old Testament, who brought to the world the Good News of redemption. In this, He clarified the complicated rituals behind Mosaic tradition into two Laws: Love God with all of your mind, soul, and strength; and love your neighbor as yourself.
I believe that Jesus is within me, not just spiritually, but also physically. I believe that, in the Eucharist, I receive Jesus in physical form. He then becomes a part of the cells of my own blood and body. Through this physical connection, I become one of His children--born from His body and blood, and entitled to the inheritance of His kingdom through that familial connection. As a child of Jesus, I gain not just a reward, but also an obligation to care for His kingdom and to call back His wandering subjects.
I believe that Jesus wants us to spread love and forgiveness, leaving condemnation and judgment to Him. He especially warns against passing hasty or false judgment, and encourages us to embrace those who are different rather than chasing them away. In this, we make our world a better place in reflection of the Kingdom of Heaven.
In short, Jesus is my redeemer, my shepherd, my family, and my ultimate authority.
For me, Jesus is the Lord and Savior of the world--even those, like myself, who are otherwise unworthy. Thus, Jesus is the fulfillment of the law and prophesy of the Old Testament, who brought to the world the Good News of redemption. In this, He clarified the complicated rituals behind Mosaic tradition into two Laws: Love God with all of your mind, soul, and strength; and love your neighbor as yourself.
I believe that Jesus is within me, not just spiritually, but also physically. I believe that, in the Eucharist, I receive Jesus in physical form. He then becomes a part of the cells of my own blood and body. Through this physical connection, I become one of His children--born from His body and blood, and entitled to the inheritance of His kingdom through that familial connection. As a child of Jesus, I gain not just a reward, but also an obligation to care for His kingdom and to call back His wandering subjects.
I believe that Jesus wants us to spread love and forgiveness, leaving condemnation and judgment to Him. He especially warns against passing hasty or false judgment, and encourages us to embrace those who are different rather than chasing them away. In this, we make our world a better place in reflection of the Kingdom of Heaven.
In short, Jesus is my redeemer, my shepherd, my family, and my ultimate authority.
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