Who do you say that I am?

Short reflection on "Who do you say I am?"

 Synopsis:- Mk. 8:27-38 and Lk 9:18-27

> Jesus asks His disciples who people say that He is?

> They reply; John the Baptist, Elijah, or some other prophets

> Then Jesus asks their view on Him

> Peter says Messiah

> Jesus orders them not to tell anyone because He has to undergo suffering and rejection from elders, chief priests and Scribes

> Ultimately be killed but on the third day He would rise again

> Then Jesus keeps the ball in their court i.e. if they want to follow Him

> Self denial and embracing the daily cross thereby following Him

> Some want to save life, but Jesus says you have to lose it for the sake of the Gospel

> Famous scripture:- For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life?

Mark 8:36 NRSV 

> What can one give in return for their life?

> Those who are ashamed of Christ and His words, beware, for even Jesus will be ashamed when He comes again in Glory.

Reflection:- 

The million dollar question asked by Jesus to the disciples is still applicable till date for us. "Who do you say that I am?" Ask this question to yourself daily, "Who is Jesus to me?" and I'll say that your answer will define you as an individual. Whether you love Him and trust Him in all that you do or limit Christ to the circumstances in your life.

Some people argue that, you cannot expect all to be Holy! Well in that case I would say that you yourself do not know in the first place why you are a Catholic. Hammer this line in your hearts and minds, "Be Holy as your Father in heaven is Holy". This line has been repeated 6 times in the Old testament in the book of Leviticus. And recently Pope Francis is his Apostolic Exhortation wrote about it in "Call to Holiness". I would urge all Catholics to buy this exhortation and read it because its really worth reading.

Now, for some to be holy would mean to perform miracles and preach the gospel and so on. But Pope Francis gives so nice beautiful examples on how one can be holy in small small ways. 

“Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much; and whoever is dishonest in a very little is dishonest also in much.

Luke 16:10 NRSV

In this episode, Jesus also talks about denying oneself and following Him. Now what does it mean? What will happen to me if I deny myself? If you think deeply about it, you will become wise( Prov. 4:5), a humble person(Mt. 5:5, Eph. 4:2), the one who regards others better than themselves(Phil. 2:3), inclination to sin will be low, a person with patience(Gal. 5:22-23), will have reverence for God(Eph. 5:21), free from all worries, a righteous or good person, loving person, kind person, a gentle person, a  person always filled with joy. In short, you will have the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

The key of self-denial is to know oneself well. Study yourself and see which are the areas that lead you to sin and work our your life. Keep in mind also that you are not alone in doing this because as Jesus has promised of the Holy Spirit, He will send Him to you to guide you completely (Jn 14:26).

As I end this article, I know that there are lot of people who truly believe in God but are little hesitant to work for the Lord. Keep this in mind, you don't need to be in limelight to showcase your holiness to people, but, silently work behind the scenes in your own families, neighborhood, colleges, offices, etc. and be shining lights of Jesus Christ.☺️

Praise God❤

[ Please do subscribe and fill in the contact form so as to receive my blogs directly on your Email ID so as to constantly receive updates as an when I update new articles. If any of my article does touch your life, then please do comment and testify for the Glory of God and strive to be New Creations of Christ. I pray that the Holy Spirit speaks to you through these reflections. Amen. ]