“Who do people say I am?” (Mark 8:27)
In today’s Gospel reading (Mark 8:27-33), Jesus asks his disciples, “Who do people say I am?” People often have opinions about public figures, whether positive or negative, objective or subjective. Jesus’ disciples shared the positive opinions they had heard: “Elijah,” “Jeremiah,” “John the Baptist,” or “one of the prophets” (Mark 8:28).
However, there were also negative opinions about Jesus, labeling him a “drunkard,” a “glutton,” a “friend of sinners,” and “Beelzebul” (Matthew 11:19, Luke 7:34). There are individuals who will always have negative impressions about others, even if they are virtuous.
Going further, Peter spoke up objectively, saying, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Mark 8:29). Jesus responded, “Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 16:17). Beloved, there is a revelation that comes from flesh and blood, be vigilant.
However, to truly understand Christ, his identity, mission and purpose, we need divine illumination. Let us be open to this illumination, and our thoughts will be guided. Through such inspiration, we are freed from bias, prejudice, and subjective truth or relativism.
Lastly, in the first reading (Genesis 9:1-13), God makes a covenant with humanity and all creation, promising never again to destroy the earth with a flood. However, as the Scriptures warn, when humanity returns to the wickedness of Noah’s time (Matthew 24:37), God will destroy the earth by fire (2 Peter 3:1-7). Let us be guided in our actions, remembering that our Lord is a God of justice and mercy.
Prayer
Lord God, true Light and Creator of light, grant that faithfully pondering on all that is holy, we may ever live in the splendor of your presence. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
