"Who do men say that the Son of man is?" (Matthew 16:13)
The true test of faith is bearing witness to our identity as Christians. For instance, a teacher may be figured out in the crowd with his disciplined manner or the way he or she dresses. A palm wine tapper is being recognized with his calabash and knife, and it is out of place to have a tailor with farm implements as his major tool. It is in the light of this, that Christ asked His disciples:
"Who do men say that the Son of man is?" (Matthew 16:13)
This pertinent question raises yet another question which is directed to us: Who is He to us? The answer is utterly personal, as our actions as Christians defined who is Christ.
In the conversation, we had four different camps, those who said, John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah and others said one of the prophets. St. Peter's submission: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:16). This Petrine's standpoint gave a sure and unquestionable definition on the personality of our Lord.
However, We are bound to tell the world who He is through our words and actions. As we universally celebrate the feast of the martyrdom of Ss. Peter and Paul, an invite is being sent to us to bear witness to this identity and personality of Jesus Christ as the duo did.
To buttress this, St. Augustine in his sermon on this unique celebration gave an in-depth definition of the personality of these men. He defined them by their work saying: "For their fame has penetrated every land and their message has reached the ends of the earth." (Sermon 295, 1-2.4.7-8). And that they saw what they proclaimed.
Dearest friend(s) in Christ, let clothe ourselves with the mantle of authentic witness to the "real personality" of our Lord in our day to day Christian living. This entails carrying our daily crosses in patience, giving listening ear to those in need, supporting the weak, comforting the sorrowful, etc. Just a little action with a sincere heart, the ice can break. Peace! Be with you.
Let us pray
Almighty and eternal God, we are Your children. Accept we pray the homage of our lips and grant us the grace of recognizing You in others and every event of life; so that we may be true witnesses and "proclaimers" of Your Personhood through our thoughts, words and actions. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
© The ARCHIVE 29062022
Amen and Amen 🙏
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