2 Questions - A Homily Reflection for the 12th Sunday OT - C

2 Questions (Happy Father's Day)

Happy Father's Day to Fathers, Grandfathers, Godfathers, and even to Mothers who due to circumstance have to be mother and father, and to our Priest, our Fathers in our journey of faith. A father is an important part of any family; they set the example of faith within a family. If the father is man of faith, then that faith is planted in their children. Our fathers shape us in what we believe.

Today Jesus asks two questions; important questions.

“Who do the crowds say that I am?” John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the ancient prophets, the crowds were confused about who Jesus was.

Jesus then asked his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” The Christ of God, Peter answers. (Lk 9:18-24) He knew that Jesus was the messiah, the anointed one, the One God sent.

Today, Jesus asks, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” and people are still confused.

Many believe in a historical Jesus, some believe He was divine, others do not. Many believe Jesus was a miracle worker, but not all believe he actually performed miracles. Many believe Jesus’ tomb was empty, and his disciples saw him, or both, but not all of these believe he was really physically raised from death.

Every day Jesus asks “Who do you say that I am?” Catholics are taught the answer. We recite the creed and many believe it. Others believe some of it.

But, do we believe enough to deny ourselves? Do we believe enough to take up our cross daily? Do we believe enough to give ourselves totally to him?  (Lk 9:18-24) These are the ways Jesus asks, “Who do you say that I am?”

In hard times, when there is crisis and tragedy, people answer this question.

There was a great tragedy in Orlando last Sunday and in that tragedy so many answered Jesus’ question. Many answers came from a confused crowd. The shooter believed God’s will was to kill.  Some who don’t believe in God blamed Christ; it’s Christian’s fault. Even those who call themselves Christians are confused saying: this was God’s will and God’s punishment.

This confusion is a severe doubt in the grace and mercy of God. This confusion is not Jesus, our God who loves us and forgives our sins.

But some had confidence in God’s grace and mercy. They answered Jesus’ question like Peter. A witness said as people lay dying there were prayers and cries to Jesus. Victims and families reached out for prayers. These were cries and prayers to Christ Jesus, the messiah, the anointed one of God. Prayers to the same Jesus who suffered greatly was rejected and killed. (Lk 9:18-24)

One thing I know: the Lord heard them.

Jesus didn’t have to ask what the crowd thought. Jesus heard them.

Jesus ate with the sinners, the unclean, and the tax collectors. He touched dead bodies. He forgave sins to bring new life. Because God loves us, He died for the sins of the world.

This is still true. Jesus hears us.

He is the fountain that purifies us from our sin and uncleanness. (Zec 12:10-11;13:1) Jesus Christ doesn’t care who we are; Jew or Greek, slave or free person, male or female. No matter what label we put on ourselves or the world puts on us - all are one in Christ Jesus. (Gal 3:26-29)

Understand this and never look at another person and see a label, but see Christ. Understand this and never be confused about who Jesus is. Understand this and never doubt God’s grace and mercy.

Always preach the Gospel by the way we live and love: by denying ourselves; by taking up our cross every day; and giving our life to him.

Jesus asks each one of us, “Who do you say that I am?” How do you answer?

Y’all be good, y’all be holy. Amen