Mass Readings and Reflection
First Reading: (Haggai 2:1–9)
Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 43)
Response: Hope in God, I will praise him yet again, my saving presence and my God.
Gospel: (Luke 9:18–22)
One of the greatest Bible verses is in the Gospel today, where Jesus asks his apostles, “Who do the people say that I am?” Peter answers correctly, “You are the Christ of God.” This is truly who Jesus is, the Christ, God’s anointed one, the Messiah, the divinely chosen Savior.
The Jews had long awaited a Messiah who would liberate them, but there was confusion about who he would be. Many false Christs had arisen, but their works faded with their deaths. Jesus, however, fulfilled prophecy, worked miracles, cast out demons, raised the dead, and revealed his divine origin. He came from God, with heavenly origin and divine nature (John 8:23; John 16:28; John 17:3). His birth fulfilled prophecy, “For unto us a child is born…” (Isaiah 9:6). Angels declared him Christ the Lord at his birth (Luke 2:11). His miracles testified: he healed the sick, raised the dead, and commanded demons. He affirmed his mission, telling Pilate, “For this I was born…” (John 18:37). His death and the witness of the centurion, “Truly, this was the Son of God” (Matthew 27:54).
All these testify that Jesus is indeed the Christ of God.
Beloved, if we truly believe he is the Christ, then we must trust him, follow him, and deepen our relationship with him. It is not enough to proclaim, “You are the Christ of God.” We must live it in faith, trusting his protection, his provision, his salvation.
Let us step up our faith. Let us place our confidence in him, for with Christ nothing can frustrate us.
Indeed, Jesus Christ is Lord forever and ever.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Pal Ronnie
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