March 10, 2005

"Who do the people say that I am"?

This is a question directed by Jesus to His apostles. Simon Peter, who suffered from "foot-in-mouth disease”, got it right this time. He often got it wrong. Not because he was ignorant, but rather, impetuous. Go through the gospel accounts and count how many times Peter steps on the gas before getting into gear. More than once he "jumps the gun" or jumps to conclusions or even jumps overboard and into the water! If Peter, the first pope, had a papal coat of arms, underneath it would read (in Hebrew, not in Latin): "READY, FIRE, AIM!" But this time, like a schoolboy who just knows he's right, he shouts out the answer - "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God!" His correct answer earns a prize that raises everyone's eyebrows; while there is no conclave or signal of white smoke - "Habemus Papem!"
If we took Christ's question to the city streets, stood at an intersection and asked people the question, "Who was Jesus?" - what answers would we receive? A devout Muslim would say He was a great prophet sent by Allah to prepare the way for the last and best prophet, Mohammed. A religious Jew might say Jesus was a rabbi, one of many itinerant religious teachers and healers who made their way through Palestine. A Hindu might reply that Jesus was clearly a deity - one of many. A Buddhist might believe that Jesus was "enlightened" - a rare soul, indeed.
What if our roving reporter stood outside Christian churches and asked the question: "Who was Jesus Christ"? I imagine many responding: "the Son of God". Digging a bit deeper may be somewhat depressing to the pastor or priest. No doubt, many "church ladies" of today would have ended up in prison or standing at a stake a few centuries ago! So, what about yourself? How would you answer the question?Well, begin by telling your inquiring friend that the question is wrong. It's not "who was Jesus Christ?" but rather, "Who is Jesus Christ?" Jesus is alive and not some historical figure from the past. Secondly, recite the Creed written in the year 325 that you say every Sunday. This may certainly frustrate your friend as he frantically scribbles in his reporter's pad, but hey, he's learning something new. Finally, whip out your handy Catholic catechism and briefly run through the index highlighting all the references to "Jesus Christ". If Saint Peter were around, wouldn't he do the same?

Fr. Glenn Sudano, CFR
Community Servant, residing at St. Felix Friary in Yonkers, New York

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