Who do you say I am?

      Jesus posed a pressing and a challenging question to his disciples, "Who do you say I am?" Interestingly, Jesus asked this question to his disciples in Caesarea Philippi and not in any other towns. Caesarea Philippi was a Hellenistic town, and in the 3rd century BC, King Ptolemy made it a cult center. Since the town was located near one of the largest springs feeding the Jordan river, the whole area was very fertile  and attractive, inviting lots of foreigners for business and worship. In the midst of diverse social, cultural, economic and religious paraphernalia, Jesus confronted his disciples with this question, "Who do you say I am?" Did the disciples have the  courage and conviction to answer the question?
      "Caesarea Philippi" subsists in every village, town and city around the world. Since it was first posed by Jesus, the question, "Who do you say I am?" has become more compelling than ever before. When it was first asked, apostle Peter on behalf of his companions answered Jesus, saying. "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God", yet, every generation has to answer this question with the new vigor and faith. Indeed, the answer cannot be a verbal recitation from scripture, but should  spring forth from within the very depth of our soul. Jesus replied to Peter saying, "Simon, son of Jonah, you are a happy man! Because it was not flesh and blood that revealed this to you but my Father in heaven."
      With skepticism and moral relativism  ruling modern society, humanity is confused about many things. Today's secular society, like Caesarea Philippi, is buzzing  with idol worship. People are afraid to utter the name of Jesus with reverence in public but have no problem profaning it. The puzzled society prefers to greet each other with the political correct "Happy Holidays" rather than saying " Merry Christmas" and demonstrating the season's truth and nobility. Truth is one, and it is eternal. Why fear temporal society, which is here today and gone tomorrow? Jesus asked this question precisely in Caesarea Philippi to show humanity  his unique nature, which is "Christ - the Son of the living God" and which is not to be equated with the manmade idols worshipped in that city.
      What is your response to Jesus' question? Does Jesus hold a unique place in your life or is He is just another idol? It is imperative for all to answer this question with courage and conviction, and have  the audacity to proclaim like Peter, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God."       The disposition with which one answers the question also matters, for it determines how one will live as a Christian  and adds meaning to the Christian life. In fact, Jesus will say to each one of us, "You are Peter and on this rock I will build my church. And the gates of the underworld can never hold against it." Be not be afraid to lose your body, if the temporal society unjustly demands it for the sake of Jesus' name, but hold firm to your faith - the keys to the Kingdom of heaven are yours.
By Fr. Peter Fernandes, sfx.