The associated reading for this reflection can be found in your Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal or online here.
“Lord, who am I?” This question would often circulate in my mind as a teenager. I tended to piece together my identity in different places, striving to live up to worldly standards. Ultimately, these places left me in a deep emptiness and confusion. I was frustrated with my own brokenness and weakness. It was only until I started to know Him and His heart on a deeper level, that I was able to see who I was. Peter was a humble fisherman, not someone who would be seen as “fit” to be following the Son of the living God.
Peter was the disciple that denied Jesus three times during His Passion, but who also trusted in the Lord’s loving and merciful heart. The imperfections of Peter didn’t cause Jesus to limit the special mission He gifted to him, and Peter was able to carry out his mission in humility and obedience, because of how confident he was in Who Jesus is.
When Jesus articulates this question to Peter, “But who do you say that I am?” He's not only speaking to him, He’s speaking to us too. Who do we say that He is? Jesus brings forth Peter’s mission after Peter confidently declares to Jesus, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Our identity and mission become unclear when we forget Who He is, and that we belong to Him. We are able to know who we are, when we know Who He is. Just like He did with Peter, Jesus continues to choose you, even in your weaknesses and imperfections. Your weaknesses don’t limit or take away our identity in the Lord, rather He uses them for His glory.
Today, take some time to reflect on who Jesus is to you, and allow His most tender heart to reveal who you are to Him.
Bella Rol is a college student from Monterey CA. She is passionate about finding the Lord in the simple things. Bella can be found journaling, doodling, taking a long walk, or asking Saint Joseph for his intercession.