Reflections of a beloved son

“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 16:15-16 Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles One’s identity is crucial. It sort of dictates what we do, how we act, and what we believe. So when Jesus asks His disciples who the people say that He is, He further asks, “ But who do YOU say that I am? ”  Jesus wanted to know who they, His followers, know Him to be. Peter said that He is “ the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” By making that confession, Peter was saying that He knows Jesus and He believes in Him and in the One who sent Him. From knowing Jesus’ identity, Peter came to know His own. Jesus asks you today, “Who do you say that I am?  Who am I to you?” How you answer this question will determine your own identity. The answer here is not that He is the Son of God or the Second Person of the Trinity – both of which are correct, but rather who is Jesus to you?  Do yo...

Though it may sometimes feel this way, we are not alone in this world or in our struggles. It is a common temptation to feel that no one else in this world understands what we may be going through, but there is always someone who does. By sharing our own experiences with one another, others may suddenly see that flicker of light in the darkness. Our experiences may bring someone from despair to hope. Never underestimate the power of one's witness and testimony. When we speak from the heart, it is Christ who speaks and works through us. Heart speaks to heart.