Twenty Fouth Sunday in Ordinary Time, 9/12

“Who do people say that I am?” If Jesus were to pose this question in our world today, how would we answer? On the college campuses of Penn and Drexel, in the neighborhoods of West Philadelphia, who do people say that Jesus is? Some might say he is a religious leader, a good moral teacher, a historical figure. Our modern world continues to disagree on the answer to this question.  

But in today’s gospel, Jesus continues the conversation with an even more pressing question. He asks his disciples, and he asks each one of us today, “Who do you say that I am?” Why might Jesus ask this very pointed and personal question? After discussing who the world says he is, Jesus asks us to decide for ourselves who he is.  

In response to this question, C.S. Lewis poses a “trilemma”. Jesus is either Lord, a liar, or a lunatic. Either he is Lord as he claims to be, or a liar who deceived millions of people, or a lunatic who thought he was God but wasn’t. To say he was simply a good moral teacher is not a logical option. 

Peter boldly responds, “You are the Christ.” Jesus challenges us, like Peter, to make a choice about who he is. Our answer to this question is not insignificant – rather, it changes everything. If Jesus is not merely a religious leader but is indeed Lord, then I must give my life to him. I must live according to his teachings. At the end of today’s gospel, Jesus tells us how we can make him Lord of our lives - “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” If I claim that Jesus is Lord, I must take up my cross and follow him.  

So, today, how will you answer Jesus’ question? Who do you say that He is? 

Emily Cimmino, Penn FOCUS Missionary