Posted by The WORD in other words (2010) by Sister Frances Grace Solis SSpS – Holy Spirit Academy of Irosin, Sorsogon
Friday 25th Week in Ordinary Time
The Greek philosopher Aristotle once observed: “All people by nature desire to know.” Human beings are naturally curious. We desire to know about the world around us, about other people, about ourselves, about God, and even about what others think of us. This desire to know is one of the reasons we study, explore, and seek wisdom.
Yet there are some things we would rather not know. I remember a lady once saying: “I believe in the wisdom of God and thank Him for not letting me know when, where, or how I will die.” She explained that if she knew in advance that she would die through violence at a certain place and time, she would spend her life in fear and anxiety. Sometimes, not knowing is itself a gift.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus appears interested in knowing what others are saying about Him. He asks His disciples: “Who do the crowds say that I am?” and then more personally, “But who do you say that I am?” (Luke 9:18-20). Peter answers with a profound profession of faith: “The Christ of God” (Luke 9:20).
Yet Jesus immediately begins to teach them that His mission as Messiah will not follow worldly expectations. He reveals that “the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised” (Luke 9:22). He knows what lies ahead. He foresees His Passion, death, and Resurrection.
Was Jesus afraid? The Gospel narratives show that He experienced genuine human anguish, especially in Gethsemane, where He prayed: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done” (Luke 22:42). Yet His fear never overcame His trust. His perfect obedience to the Father’s will led Him through suffering to the glory of the Resurrection.
This Gospel invites us to prepare ourselves for the day when we too will pronounce our final “yes” to God. None of us knows when that day will come. Therefore, Jesus repeatedly calls us to vigilance: “Be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come”(Luke 12:40).
A few questions may help us examine whether our lives truly reflect what we profess:
- If we profess that Jesus is our Savior, do we truly believe that our salvation comes not from our own merits but from Him who suffered, died, and rose for us? “By grace you have been saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8).
- If we profess that Jesus is our Friend and Confidant, how often do we spend time with Him in prayer, sharing our joys and sorrows and seeking His guidance in our decisions? “I have called you friends” (John 15:15).
- If we profess that Jesus is Emmanuel, God-with-us, does our daily life reflect our belief that He remains with us always? “I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
Ultimately, Christianity is not merely about making the right profession of faith. It is about allowing that profession to shape the way we live. Peter’s confession was important, but Jesus immediately connected it with discipleship, sacrifice, and fidelity.
As St. James reminds us: “Be doers of the word and not hearers only” (James 1:22).
Indeed, it is imperative not merely to talk the talk, but to walk the talk. For the most convincing profession of faith is a life that reflects the One whom we confess as Lord.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Strengthen my faith so that what I profess with my lips may be visible in my actions. Help me to trust You, to follow You faithfully, and to be ready whenever You call me into Your presence. May my life proclaim the faith that my heart believes. Amen.
