There is a point in the faith life of everyone when we have to answer the question Jesus addressed to Peter and the other disciples: “But who do you say that I am?” We learn the catechism, read the Bible stories, recite the creeds which is all well and good. But that is what other people have said about Jesus. Faith only happens once we take the testimony of others and provide our own personal response. Jesus is, after all, at 2000 years removed from us. Is he just an interesting historical figure or someone with immediate relevance to my life? Is he merely a teacher with good lessons or the one whose word I follow even when the world around me says otherwise? Is he someone I know about or someone I know? For me, after getting meet Jesus through way the gospel writers talk about him I go into prayer and find that he comes alive. Jesus brings me the blessed assurance that God is not out there, but in here, part of my human existence, loving me unconditionally just as I am, connecting me with others as children of God, and inviting us to join with him in making this world a more just and peaceful place.
