Scripture

Luke 9:18-22

Once when Jesus was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They answered, “John the Baptist; but others, Elijah; and still others, that one of the ancient prophets has arisen.” Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered, “The Messiah of God.”
He sternly ordered and commanded them not to tell anyone, saying, “The Son of Man must undergo great suffering and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes and be killed and on the third day be raised.”

Reflection

When Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter’s response, “The Messiah of God,” marks a pivotal moment in their understanding of Jesus’ true nature. This recognition challenges us to deepen our own understanding of who Jesus is in our lives. By contemplating His teachings, actions, and the profound mystery of His identity as the Messiah, we are encouraged to affirm our faith and allow it to transform our lives, guiding our actions and decisions.

Jesus’ revelation that the Son of Man must undergo suffering, rejection, and death before being raised on the third day introduces the paradox of the Christian journey. This message calls us to embrace the reality that following Jesus involves carrying our own crosses and facing trials with faith and courage. Understanding that suffering can lead to redemption and new life, we are inspired to persevere through our challenges, trusting in God’s ultimate plan for our salvation and the greater good that can emerge from our struggles.

Contemplation

I take a few moments to imagine the scene from the Gospel story I just read. I let the words come alive in my heart. I visualise the event as if I was there and part of the story. I pay attention to all the details, the sights, the sounds, the tastes, the smells, and the feelings of the event. I imagine myself as one of the characters in the scene or as myself present in the story. What message does Jesus have for me? How is God speaking to me personally through this story? I open my heart to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

Thanksgiving

I ask God, the Father, to give me an intimate knowledge of the many gifts I have received,
so that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty.

Fellow Pilgrims

They who pray with faith have fervour and fervour is the fire of prayer. This mysterious fire has the power of consuming all our faults and imperfections, and of giving to our actions, vitality, beauty and merit.

– Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini (Mother Cabrini)

Closing Prayer

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Amen.