WHO IS JESUS TO YOU?
Homily for the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch Isaiah 22:19-23; Romans 11:33-36; and Matthew 16:13-20 There is a difference between knowing about someone and actually knowing the person. We may know someone’s name, hear stories about them, read about them, and even know what others think about them without ever having a personal relationship with them. This is the situation Jesus brings before His disciples in today’s Gospel. He begins by asking, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” The disciples give Him several answers: John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. They know what people are saying about Jesus. But then Jesus changes the question and asks “But who do you say that I am?” Now the question is no longer about public opinion. It is personal. Jesus wants to know what they believe. Peter responds and says “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This is the heart of Christian faith. Peter does not merely id...
