Twentyfirst Sunday in Ordinary Time Yr A
Twentyfirst Sunday in Ordinary Time Yr A
27 August 2017
Homily
Today’s Gospel passage is one that can cause a lot of debate when discussed in an ecumenical setting. The ensuing debates, in the past, have often resulted in a lot of heat without providing much light!
Rather than reflecting upon what this passage does or does’nt mean for the “Petrine Ministry”, the ministry of the Pope, I would like us to explore the question Jesus asks.
As we heard, he first asks the disciples about what other people are generally saying who he is. We find that they have Jesus firmly slotted in a category that they are familiar and comfortable with. Jesus, pressing on, then asks the disciples as to who they thought he was. To which Peter, answering on behalf of all gives the response we heard.
Over the last 150 years, on three separate occasions there has been an academic fashion of searching for the “real” Jesus. Albert Schweitzer commented that the results often resembled what happens when you look into a pond. The “real” Jesus you find often looks and has ideas remarkably like those of the searcher!
Thus you will find a Jesus who is a revolutionary, or one who is a Marxist. You will find one who supports the status quo or one who calls for its overthrowing.
So now, reflect on the question. Ask it of yourself – who is Jesus for you? Who do you say he is?
I once heard a quote “Live your life prayerfully – because for some people, it will be the only Gospel they read.”
When people look at our lives, who is the Jesus they see?