Walking with Jesus: 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Isaiah 22:19-23; Romans 11:33-36; Matthew 16:13-20

What reaction do you have when asked a direct question? For me, a lot goes behind the question itself: Am I being challenged? Is it getting into the personal area? Am I suspicious of the questioner or why the question was asked? Am I cautious in framing my response because I’m afraid of being wrong or “inciting” a “nerve” in the questioner or even myself? Do I try to beat around the bush, or to stray to discover more what the questioner wants before I respond? Do I tend to ask a question before I even respond, such as, “Why are you asking?” Back in the early years of our schooling we were trained to raise our arms and not to blurt out the answer until we were called on. So many were jumping up in their seats. What happened? We were so proud when we responded correctly … but let down when we were wrong. These “acceptances” or “denials” could have stayed with us down through the years.

Today a question is asked by Jesus of all the apostles. We hear it in Matthew’s gospel, whose version is based on Mark 8:27-30 which Matthew has revised significantly. Why are they so different? One theory is that tradition tells us that Peter ministered to Syrian Christians after Jesus’ death and resurrection. If it was written for Syrian Christians, he could have had access to traditions not written in other gospels.

Here are the two versions:

Matthew 16:13-20: “When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi 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 Messiah [the Christ) the son of the living God.’ … Then He strictly ordered His disciples to tell no one that He was the Messiah.”

Mark 8:27-30: “Now Jesus and His disciples set out for the villages of Caesarea Philippi. Along the way He asked His disciples, ‘Who do people say that I am?’ They said in reply, ‘John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets.’ And He asked them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter said to Him in reply, ‘You are the Messiah.’ Then He warned them not to tell anyone about Him.”

Jesus is wondering what the people are saying about Him. Is it out of curiosity, or does He say this to lead into a question He wants the apostles to focus on? We have heard it said in many sermons that Jesus asks us the same question. Now how have we responded? Is Jesus testing us? Is He concerned about our knowledge of Him? Is He concerned if faith in Him has travelled from our heads to our hearts? Or is the journey still an ongoing one?

The response that the apostles give reflects the common rumors. It is very easy to rehash rumors. John the Baptist has a very large following. Many of the apostles have heard John speak, and a few, tradition tells us, are actual followers of John. Elijah is an early and highly respected prophet. Some scholars say that it seems that Jeremiah is a favorite prophet of Jesus. Now the BIG QUESTION directed to us is, “Who do you say that I am?” There is no escaping the question, and Peter immediately steps up and answers. Matthew indicates that Peter recognizes Jesus as the Messiah, who is ALSO the Son of God. Now Judaism did not believe that the Messiah was to also be the divine (Son of the living God). Matthew continues on and equates Peter’s answer coming from Divine Revelation. Peter can not have possibly known this from his human knowledge.

Judas hears this … was this the beginning of his downfall? He has been trying to get others to follow his lead, but they keep looking to Peter for leadership. Peter certainly comes across headstrong, impulsive, and with a big mouth.  As Judas has been given the purse to keep them supplied and to help the poor who surround Jesus, maybe he feels he has much bigger gifts ... maybe. But Jesus declares Peter to be the rock upon which He will build His Church. The word “church” is only found twice in the Gospels: here and Matthew 18:17. Peter has been chosen with no knowledge of what will happen. He believes, still shaky, and he trusts ... and that will be tested.

Peter needs more preparation, as do each of us. He needs to see things from God’s perspective, as do we. He becomes impatient and we become impatient in our relationships and for the Church. Christ's Messiahship includes the cross … we like life but with less crosses. How can we identify with Jesus’ suffering unless we see in our sufferings what Jesus showed us in His: Love … God’s total love … our only road to heaven.

So I reflect on:

• During this pandemic, many Christian Churches are struggling with “Who is Jesus?”
• And Jesus says, “Who do you say I am?”
• Jesus is Son of the living God. He is not associated with the false Greek or Roman gods or superstitions. He is living, caring, loving, forgiving. He calls me to be the same … and you too.
  

Sacred Space 2020 states:

“Jesus could trust Peter to be honest — he would say what was on his mind and in his heart. As Jesus
asks me the same question, I answer honestly, knowing that nothing I say will alienate Jesus.

“Am I open to Jesus’ question, ‘Who do you say that I am?’ This text has been used so often for apologetic purposes that it is hard to recapture the drama, the uncertain silence, that must have followed Jesus’ question. He wondered what they would say and wonders what I say to the same question. Lord, I linger with this question: What are You to me?”