Who do you say that I am?

This week’s Gospel is all about Peter. Jesus conferred upon Peter the primacy of the church. We know that Peter is the rock, the head, the foundation stone on whom Jesus built the church. Yet throughout the gospel stories we hear Peter waver and deny Jesus.

Peter was human, he had his strengths and weaknesses. In today’s gospel when Jesus asked Peter “but who do you say I am?” he was unwavering as he made his profession of faith “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God’’. He witnesses to us peace in God’s mercy, love, and forgiveness. His story helps us to understand ourselves.

Each of us is called to answer the perennial question posed by Jesus: “who do you say that I am?”.

We are called to live out our faith, to witness to our profession of faith, the profession of faith which we recite together every Sunday, the Creed. This we also do as we undertake acts of service and share the gospel and as we develop a closer relationship with Jesus. Who do you say that YOU are?

Next weekend is the beginning of Social Justice week which runs from 3rd – 9^th September, entitled “Peace begins with you!” Personal peace is the focus of this year’s social justice week.

Catholic social teaching sees peace as an essential component of social justice, which is based on the principles of respect for human dignity, the pursuit of the common good, and the protection of human rights. It calls for a transformation of social structures and systems that perpetuate violence, inequality, and injustice. It calls for the promotion of a culture of peace that values dialogue, reconciliation, and nonviolent conflict resolution. What do YOU call for?

Peter’s story also tells us how to develop a close relationship with Jesus. Personal peace with ourselves and with God is the first step on the path to building peace in our communities and in the world.

As you walk through this week with Jesus, what steps will you take that will bring you closer to peace and offer witness of your profession of faith?

Debbie Matheson

Lay Pastoral Leader/Parish Leader