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Answering Christ's question: 'Who am I?'
The great question we all have to answer, especially early in our lives but really throughout them, is related to this week's familiar passage about Peter identifying Jesus as the Messiah and Jesus in turn naming him Rock, the rock on which he would build his church. It is the question of identity.
Jesus says to his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?"
"I am" is that wonderful statement from which the name of God derives, the Hebrew name of God, Yahweh.
Who is Jesus? Who is Peter? The answers to these questions are at the core of what they will do. For Peter and for us, the Church, they are at the core of our identity as the body of Christ.
August 24, 2008
21st Sunday
in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 22:19-23
Psalm 138:1-3, 6,8
Romans 11:33-36
Matthew 16:13-20
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Words and names have power and, in some cases, a certain element of spiritual strength.
A few years ago on one of his visits from his home diocese, our soon-to-be bishop attended a meeting to plan his ordination. The travel back and forth, attending to his parish and diocesan duties back home in Illinois was wearing.
It was a typical scorching hot Texas summer day, and when the meeting was over and we trekked across an asphalt parking lot, I'm sure the heat was a shock for our bishop-designate. But when he saw a group of priests in the distance, he perked up, strode across the lot to greet them cheerfully, and began some of the work he would assume as their new bishop only a few weeks hence.
Supporting his fellow priests was and is a part of who our bishop is.
For each of us, our identity helps determine not only who we are but what we do.
The psalm for this week points us to the power of names, of identity: "For you have made great above all things your name and your promise. When I called, you answered me: You built up strength within me."
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For reflection:
Considering all the dimensions of identity: family relationships, jobs, hobbies, church and community duties, friendships, and interests, what is central to defining who you are as a child of God?
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Who Jesus is, who Peter is, who the church is, all relate to the answer to the question placed before each of us by Christ: "Who am I?"
Relying on the power of God's love to help us answer that question helps us gain the power to live lives full of purpose, motivation.
This column is offered in cooperation with the North Texas Catholic of Fort
Worth, Texas.
This week's readings
Week of August 24 - 30, 2008
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time
Reading I: Is 22:19-23
Reading II: Rom 11:33-36
Gospel: Mt 16:13-20
Monday, August 25, 2008
Reading I: 2 Thes 1:1-5, 11-12
Gospel: Mt 23:13-22
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Reading I: 2 Thes 2:1-3a, 14-17
Gospel: Mt 23:23-26
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Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Memorial of Saint Monica
Reading I: 2 Thes 3:6-10, 16-18
Gospel: Mt 23:27-32
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Memorial of Saint Augustine, bishop and doctor of the Church
Reading I: 1 Cor 1:1-9
Gospel: Mt 24:42-51
Friday, August 29, 2008
Memorial of the Martyrdom of Saint John
the Baptist
Reading I: 1 Cor 1:17-25
Gospel: Mk 6:17-29
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Reading I: 1 Cor 1:26-31
Gospel: Mt 25:14-30
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Pope's Prayer Intentions
August General Intention
Respect for creation. That the human family may know how to respect God's design for the world and thus become ever more aware of the great gift of God which Creation represents for us. |
August Mission Intention
Call to holiness. That through discernment of gifts and commitment to spiritual formation, holiness may be promoted among the people of God.
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Prayers for Those Suffering from the Floods
Diocese of Madison
Summer 2008
God of Mercy,
Look kindly on us in our suffering.
Ease our burdens and make our faith strong
That we may always have confidence and trust
In your fatherly care.
We ask this through Christ, Our Lord.
Amen
From the Sacramentary, Masses for Various Needs: For Any Need (B)
God our Father,
you set the earth on it foundations
and separated the land from the water.
Look upon all affected by this flood.
Ease their suffering, strengthen their faith,
and increase their love of you and neighbor.
Inspire all people of good will
to serve you by serving others
so that, from the darkness of this disaster,
the light of Christ may shine even more brightly in the world,
for he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever.
Amen |
Prayer to St. Raphael
Glorious Archangel St. Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, you are illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace. You are a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners.
We beg you, assist us in all our needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as once you helped the young Tobias on his travels. Because you are the "medicine of God" we humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of our souls and the ills that afflict our bodies.
We especially ask your guidance of our diocese as we journey toward the rebuilding of a cathedral bearing your name, and the great grace of purity to prepare us to be temples of the Holy Spirit. As our intercessor, beg the Blessed Trinity to prosper the work of our hands and, above all, to bring us, face-to-face, into their Holy presence.
Amen. |
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