YOU ARE THE CHRIST, THE SON OF THE LIVING GOD.

XXI SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Matthew 16:13-20

If we feel attracted and seduced by Jesus and wish to become his disciples, then we will have to answer the same question he asked those who followed him: “Who do you say I am?” This is a question that cannot be ignored or put aside. It is a very personal question that must be answered by each one of us and that answer must be echoed and affirmed in the community of disciples, that is in the Church. Simon answered: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And this answer is so important that it became the foundation of the Church, the rock upon which the Church is built.  There is no Church and we cannot be called Christians without the affirmation of faith made by Simon Peter. The gospels were written to lead us to Jesus and recognise him as the Messiah, the Son of God, so that in him we may have salvation: “These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (Jn 20:31).

There is no other purpose for evangelisation but to lead people to faith in Jesus Christ. That is Jesus’ commandment: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Mt 28:19-20)

Nowadays, there are many people, even leaders in the Church, who question themselves about the validity of evangelisation. Based on the falsely great values of woke ideology - diversity, equity and inclusion - they see evangelisation as offensive proselytism that denies diversity and despises the values of other peoples and cultures. If the gospel of Jesus Christ is faithfully proclaimed, it constitutes a challenge to any culture and all cultures. The motivations for proclaiming the gospel are never totally pure. Maybe, in our time, we would do things differently, but that does not mean that our motivations are holier and purer than those of our ancestors. Should we ask forgiveness for sins that we did not commit and for things that were not considered evil in past times? Afraid of causing harm and injury to others, we sit down and keep quiet, ignoring Jesus’ command and refusing to give clear witness to Him. Do we truly believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God? If we believe, we cannot keep quiet. Let’s proclaim at the top of our voices that Jesus is the Messiah and the Saviour, the Way, the Truth and the Life - because he is the Son of God.