February 17, Thursday, 6th Week in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: James 2:1-9 & Mark 8:27-33
The gospel story opens with a question from Jesus to his disciples: "Who do people say I am?"
Jesus’ question did not end with what people might say about him but directly asked his disciples, "But you, who do you say I am?" Various responses offered by his discipline, including "you are the Messiah," came from Peter. Before the scene ends, Jesus announces his coming suffering, rejection, death, and resurrection for the first time. Now we see where discipleship leads to losing one's life while saving it.
Peter speaks up in the name of all: "You are the Messiah." This is indeed a dramatic moment. Jesus is not just an ordinary rabbi, not just a prophet. He is the long-awaited Christ, the Messiah, the anointed King of Israel. This is a tremendous breakthrough for the disciples.
Jesus' interaction with him awakened Peter's eyes. He still misses a lot, as Jesus rebukes him. To delve deeper, to set our hearts and thoughts on divine things is an invitation from Jesus. Let us come to Jesus today with both eyes open.
The Lord wants our faith in our prayers. In many ways, Jesus asks us the same question: "Who do you say that I am?" How would you answer? You are God... you are the poor, the hungry, and the needy in everyone I meet. How would you respond to that question?
Think about Jesus' words from the passage: "But you, who do you claim I am? " You are strongly encouraged to react to this question in your own words.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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