Who Do You Say that I Am?

The appointed Gospel reading for this day is taken from the Gospel according to Mark where Jesus asks a question of us:

 

Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that I am?’ And they answered him, ‘John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.’ He asked them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered him, ‘You are the Messiah.’ And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.

 

Then he began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, ‘Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’

 

He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life? Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.’ And he said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the kingdom of God has come with power.’  (Mk. 8:27-9:1).

 

Who do you and I say Jesus is?  Are you and I willing to follow him even though we might lose everything that the world considers important, like friends, position, respect?  Are you and I ashamed of what Jesus stands for, of his words to all of humanity? There are some of our brothers and sisters in Christ who answer these questions with their very lives.  In recent times, we have heard more and more about those who have lost their lives because they proclaim boldly that Jesus is Lord. 

 

For us, in our daily lives, we also come across situations where we must respond, not as some of our Christian brothers and sisters, but in more subtle ways.  Do we stand up for others, the very people Jesus died for, when we hear others tearing them down and ridiculing them, or do we join in the activities?  Are we Jesus to others whom people may think are not part of the “in crowd” because we are afraid what others might think?    Who do you say Jesus is? Are you ashamed of him?  Or will you proclaim that Jesus is Lord and live your life accordingly?

 

Let us pray: Lord God give us the grace to proclaim that Jesus is the Messiah, the Anointed One, who has come to preach the Good News of salvation, and may we live our lives as Jesus would have us do, picking up our crosses daily.  Amen.

 

The Ahimbisibwe Family: Some of you may have heard in the news that the Rev. Dr. Israel Ahimbisibwe, his wife Dorcus and their youngest son, Israel Junior (Jay), age 5, were found murdered in their home in west Houston Monday morning.  Ahimbisibwe, a native of Uganda, served as vicar of Redeemer Episcopal Church in Houston and as chaplain for the University of Houston.

 

The oldest son of the Rev. Israel Ahimbisibwe, Isaac Tiharihondi, was arrested in Mississippi and has been charged with capital murder according to media reports.

 

This is a tragic and horrific event and we pray for Christ’s healing touch for all of those involved. 

 

Let us pray: Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servants Israel, Dorcus and Jay. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, sheep of your own fold, a lambs of your own flock, sinners of your own redeeming. Receive them into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen.

Lord Jesus visit our jails and prisons with your pity and judgment. Remember all prisoners, and bring the guilty to repentance and amendment of life according to your will, and give them hope for their future. When any are held unjustly, bring them release; forgive us, and teach us to improve our justice.  All this we ask for your mercy's sake. Amen.

Your servant in Christ,

 

Fr. Chester J. Makowski+

St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church

Galveston, Texas 77550