WHO JESUS IS?

Thursday within the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time: Year C Matthew 16:13-23 Feast of St. John Marie Vianney Do you know who Jesus is? Who is this man for you? Two things I would like to share today. First, knowing someone is essentially crucial in our life. There is comfort in knowing Jesus. Friends, Jesus is asking His disciples a question not because He wanted to impress them but He wanted to reveal the truth of God. The confession of Peter declares and confirmed that indeed He is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. The gospel is teaching us that there must be something in us that other people might know. We don’t need to tell them, they should be able. Second, our Church founded by Jesus himself is a genuine and strong Church. “I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it”. Many people wanted to destroy this Church but until now it stands firm, strong and alive. The true church can never fail if it is founded on true foundation. It remains strong because of you. Folks, church is who we are, not where we go. Church’s vitality is not measured by how many people filled the pews but rather how much those people are filled with Jesus. Finally, Peter was reproached by Jesus after receiving a compliments because his plan is not in accordance to God’s plan. “Never, Lord! No. This must never happen to you.” Obviously, he does not want Jesus to suffer. Friends, sometimes we are like Peter because our plans are not in line with God’s plan. We think not as God’s. Most of our plans are earthly not heavenly. If you know Jesus, you will accompany Him even until the cross! Guys, do not be afraid to suffer. Avoiding the cross is the essence of the demonic. Embrace the cross. Learn to accept the storms of your life. Lord, I will stay with you even if everybody is leaving. In you I remain. Blessings Fr. Jhack