But Who Do You Say That I Am?
Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Matthew 16: 13-20 - Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi and he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 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.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Then he strictly ordered his disciples to tell no one that he was the Christ.
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“But who do you say that I am?”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Jesus wants His disciples to have a different view of Him than others of their time. This is why, after asking them first who others say He is, He asks, “but who do you say that I am?” It is important that we see that the “others” did not have a bad opinion of Jesus. They thought He was a very noble man: John the Baptist, or Elijah, maybe… And today there are many who think Jesus is very noble and important, but don’t understand that He is the Son of the Living God. Those other answers aren’t good enough for Jesus. He expects something more.
“But who do you say that I am?” This is a fundamental question for our lives. It is not enough to think that Jesus is noble, or good. He does not simply want our respect. Jesus wants every last bit of us. Our faith is not primarily about teachings or morality. Above all, it is about a Person—Jesus, the Son of the Living God. Who we believe Jesus to be makes all the difference in our lives. We should all take some time during prayer to consider whether our faith is more centered on knowledge and instructions, or on our love for the God-Man, Jesus Christ. Do we know Jesus? How might we get to know Him better?
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
Like Pier? Share it with others (via links below) / Subscribe to it (below) / Support (the mission)
