Thursday, September 27, 2018

Announcing Jesus

"Who do the crowds say that I am?" Lk 9:19

All of us have experienced times and people about whom we feel compelled to speak. When Moses saw a burning bush, approached it and learned that God wanted to speak to him, he had to tell other about his experience. Elijah hears God, not in a strong wind or an earthquake, but in a tiny whisper, and realizes in the middle of his fear, that God is calling him. He cannot resist. Again, when Isaiah, hearing God wonder who to send, responds: Here I am, send me!

The great figures of the Hebrew bible announce God's presence and love whenever they encounter it, and so does Jesus. Not only does the Lord speak of God, he is God's Word enfleshed, the one about whom we cannot be silent, and this is the essence of Peter's response. You are "the Christ of God<" Peter proclaims. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, Peter becomes, despite great personal danger and many faults, a new Proophet, recognizing Jesus for who he is. We must do the same.

Today, don't let yourself get too far into the day before you stop and recognize Jesus in every person you meet.

Who do you say Jesus is?

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