TWENTY FOURTH SUNDAY YEAR B
Isaiah 50:5–9a, Psalm 116:1–6, 8–9, James 2:14–18, Mark 8:27–35
Today, we stand at a pivotal moment in the Gospel of Mark. We are almost in the middle of the gospel. Jesus wants to assess the public opinion and that of his disciples about himself. He poses a question that pierces the hearts of his disciples and resonates through the ages: “Who do people say that I am?” (Mark 8:27). This apparently simple question reveals the diverse perceptions of Jesus’ identity among his contemporaries. As we reflect on this question, we are forced to ask ourselves: Will we, like Peter, confess him as the Christ, or will we, like the crowds, reduce him to just another prophet?
At Caesarea Philippi, Jesus inquires about public opinion regarding his identity (Mark 8:27). The prevailing views, echoed in Herod’s court, likened Jesus to John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the prophets (Mark 6:14-16). However, when Jesus asks his disciples, “But who do you say that I am?”, Peter responds, “You are the Messiah” (Mark 8:29).
Yet, did Peter fully grasp the nature of the Messiah he proclaimed? To ensure clarity, Jesus reveals his true identity as the Messiah who would suffer, be rejected, crucified on the cross, and rise from the dead on the third day (Mark 8:31). This revelation aligns with the Suffering Servant of the Lord in Isaiah 50:5-9, whose redemptive death fulfills the prophecy.
The notion of a humiliated, insulted, and crucified Messiah was unthinkable to Peter and the other disciples. Jesus rebuked Peter’s resistance, labeling him “Satan” for unwittingly opposing God’s plan of salvation (Mark 8:33). Jesus’ radical message to his followers remains clear: he demands absolute surrender, renouncing self-interest, embracing the cross, and unwavering devotion. True discipleship demands laying down our lives, wills, and desires, in order to follow Jesus.
St. Paul grasped this profound truth, exclaiming “May I never boast in anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Gal 6:14). Paul’s transformation invites us to shift focus from earthly accomplishments to the cross’s redeeming power – embracing it as our sole source of pride and identity.
In today’s complex world, Jesus’ relevance endures, posing a timeless question that resonates deeply: “Who do people say that I am?” (Mark 8:27). As we reflect on this question, do we recognize Jesus as the selfless Messiah who suffered and died for humanity’s redemption?
As we shoulder our crosses and follow Christ, St. James’ words echo within us: “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). May our faith be vivified by tangible acts of love, compassion, and service, demonstrating our commitment to Christ’s mission.
Embracing Peter’s confession, we acknowledge Jesus as the Christ, recognizing the inherent responsibility to proclaim this truth to the world. We are called to be witnesses to the redemptive power of Christ, who laid down his life for humanity’s salvation (John 15:13).
As we confess our faith in Jesus Christ, we are also called upon to proclaim him to the world and allow his gospel to permeate the lives of people. As Pope Paul VI emphasized, “evangelization would not be complete if it did not take account of the unceasing interplay of the Gospel and of man’s concrete life, both personal and social” (Evangelii Nuntiandi, 29). Similarly, Pope John Paul II stressed that “the Church’s mission is to proclaim Christ to the world” (Redemptoris Missio, 44).
As pilgrims of hope journeying towards Jubilee 2025, let us surrender to Christ’s examination, inviting him to probe the depths of our hearts: “Who do we call him?” May we echo Peter’s confession, proclaiming with conviction: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16).
May our Blessed Mother Mary, who stood steadfast at the feet of Jesus, intercede for us, guiding us towards a deeper understanding of her Son’s identity and mission. May her prayers empower us to proclaim Christ’s name with conviction, and to follow him with unwavering devotion.