by Sister Paulette Hupfauf
In Sunday's Gospel, Jesus asked his disciples, "Who do the crowds say that I am?" The disciples replied, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah or one of the prophets has arisen." Then Jesus asked, "Who do you say that I am?" Peter said, "The Christ of God."
Aware that the disciples did not have the Scriptures led me to think what I might say if Jesus asked me, "Who do you say that I am?" In my reflection I realized I don't use the same name(s) for Jesus as are used in the prayer of the church. I think this is because in church I am praying in a more formal group setting whereas in my meditation and private prayer my relationship is more familial and personal.
For me, there is no doubt that Jesus is God. But I do not understand God. Jesus, though God, was a human being like me. I am more comfortable relating to Jesus as Friend, Lover, and Lord.
Because I have treasured friendships here on earth, I hope Jesus (God) will greet me as friend when I go to heaven.
If Jesus were to ask you, "Who do you say that I am?" what would be your response and why? Always remember that each of us is created uniquely; therefore, our response will be our own unique and personal response.
chapter 21,
US Catholic Catechism for Adults
by Sister Laura Zelten
Just as a career is more than a job, a vocation involves much more than a career. Vocation means "call." For Christians, the primary call, given at Baptism, requires Christians to bring God's love to others and to share the Good News of Redemption offered by Jesus Christ.
We carry out this basic Christian call in the context of our particular life choice, known as vocation, which includes ordained ministry, consecrated life, marriage and the single life. Marriage is a sacrament administered by the couple to one another. The priest or deacon who officiates serves as a witness on behalf of the Church. The sacrament is based on the mutual consent of the man and woman to give themselves to one another until death in order that they might make their relationship one of faithful and fruitful love. The intimate bond of marriage is to represent the same bond that Jesus formed with his Church. It is a bond in which the couple is to be open to bringing forth new life and to raise their children in the Christian faith.
Marriage, as with the call to priesthood and religious life, is a call to serve Christ and others in a covenant relationship that originates in God's plan of creation and salvation.
Thanks, Sr. Paulette, for your reflection. I agree that Jesus loves having a very personal relationship with each person. As I always told my students, having a friendship with Jesus will be their greatest gift in life and a gift they will have in heaven.