Daily Gospel Reflection for September 26, 2014

Today's Gospel: Luke 9:18-22

We could answer the question of who people say Jesus is with a variety of answers. Christ. Redeemer. Savior. Son of God. Teacher. Healer. Prophet. And probably a host of not-­so-­nice terms, since our Lord is often hated in this world.

But if Jesus appeared and asked you, “Who do you say that I am?”

What would you say? Who is Jesus to you, personally?

Christians in desperate situations are right now being asked that question. It isn’t Jesus asking, but radical extremists with clubs, guns, and hatchets. They’re on the hunt for anyone who admits that they are followers of Jesus Christ. Christians are being asked who Jesus is to them. Depending on their answer, they may be tortured, raped, beaten, crucified, or beheaded.

We can be grateful that we don’t live in the areas of the world suffering such persecution. We’re relatively safe and for the most part free to worship according to our Catholic faith. Still, we should think seriously about what we would do if we were in the place of our persecuted brothers and sisters. No matter where we live, when Jesus asks us, “Who did you say that I am?” the answer matters.

Ponder:

Who do I say Jesus is? Do I live my Christian faith so fully that it shows before I’m even asked? Why or why not?

Pray:

My Lord Jesus Christ, Your apostles had faith so strong that they willingly died for their beliefs. There are Christians all over the world right now doing the same. I want my faith to be as strong as theirs. Please, Jesus, grant me the grace to have a faith so strong that I’ll be willing to die for you if the opportunity  arose. Amen.

Copyright 2014 Marge Fenelon