“Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” (Lk 9:18).  

In today’s gospel from Luke, Jesus asks his disciples “Who do the crowds say that I am?” The crowds had heard him preach His message of good news throughout the countryside, in the towns and in the synagogues. They had personal encounters with Jesus. Many even saw him perform miracles. Yet, they did not realize who Jesus really was.  Some thought he was John the Baptist or Elijah or one of the ancient prophets who had arisen. The religious leaders did not recognize who Jesus was either.  They were close-minded and they let their egos blind them to who Jesus was. But when Jesus asked his disciples “who do you say that I am?” (Lk 9:20) Peter replied, “The Christ of God”. (Lk 9:20).  

Peter, like everyone else, heard Jesus’ message of good news; his message of forgiveness and love. He encountered Jesus daily. Peter had reached a crucial moment in his life. His heart was open and had reached a moment of conversion. He recognized and responded to Jesus, “you are the Christ of God”.  

We too have heard Jesus’s message of good news in the gospel.  We too have encountered him through the Eucharist. There comes a moment in our lives where we must let go of our egos and the things that keep us from Christ. We must allow God’s grace to work in us and through us and to change us, transforming our hearts. So today, when we hear Jesus ask, “who do you say that I am?” how will you respond?

Deacon Joe Trevino

St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church

Houston, TX