But who do you say I am?

June 29, Thursday of the 12th week in Ordinary Time
Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles
Daily Readings: 1st Reading: Acts 12:1-11; 2nd Reading: 2 Tim 4:6-8,17-18; Gospel: Matthew  16: 13-19 

Fragile as we are, whatever they say affects us. Jesus asked his apostles who people say he is, and later He asked them: but who do you say I am? We usually ask close friends or family members the same question to know who we are to them. How much do they know about us, and how do they look at us?

Today we commemorate the feast of the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. Two different persons by personality, character, capacity, and education, but both did follow the Lord till the end of their lives.  Cephas becomes Peter, for by him, Jesus will build his Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail.  Saul called Paul after his conversion; when he was on his way to persecute the church of Christ, he heard his voice asking why he was persecuting Him. They both knew who Jesus was through their personal experience. Jesus knew Peter and vice-versa.  

While Paul indirectly knew who Jesus was, only after meeting Jesus on the road when he was about to persecute the Church did he know about him. Paul did hear Jesus' voice questioning him, “Why are you persecuting me?” He fell from his horse and became blind for a time. When he regained his eyesight, he followed him and died for him and the Church.

Who is Jesus? Are we ready to die for him? Does our name mean something related to our mission? St. Paul says: : The Lord stood by me and gave me strength so that the proclamation might be completed.