24th Sunday in Ordinary Time---- - 13 th September 2009

Since the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) until now, great value has been placed on the role of ‘community’ in the life of the Church. This comes from the heart of the Gospel and is attested to by Jesus and the biblical writers. The second reading today from St James makes looking out for brothers and sisters in need essential for the life of faith. Many people visiting St Joseph’s remark on the great spirit of community and warm relationships that are evident. Long may this continue to be a bright and shining witness to the love of God and neighbour.

But that is not the whole story, important though the community aspect is, you need to go aside from time to time, on your own, in prayer and let Jesus speak to your heart. In stillness, you will hear His voice asking, ‘But you, who do you say that I am?’ This is not Jesus checking up on whether you have learned your catechism or not. It is not a personality or intelligence test. It is a faith, hope and love test.

Jesus doesn’t want your spoken answer as much as He wants your heart. If our church’s essential characteristics were knowledge and information alone, (important though these are), some of us would be always towards the bottom of the class. But even though we learn more and deepen further our knowledge of the teachings of Jesus all though life, there remains the haunting question, ‘You, who do you say that I am?’

Time spent with Jesus in a loving conversation about who is He leads to a point where you may feel a bit, or a lot, lost. Where do I go from here? How do I know if I am not just fooling myself? Do not be afraid, you are not alone. If you have a good friend or companion whom you think would understand what you are doing, have a word in confidence – where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst.

People in love have their own language. Jesus is in love – with you amongst many others. At some point, when you are ready, He will lead you to the Cross. There is no avoiding it. Mary, Mother of God and of the Church, couldn’t and all she could do was stand there and be with her Son. Jesus will lead you to the Cross – after all this is a Passionist mission – and there He will reveal the total love He has for you and all people.

Peter’s reaction is very understandable. He takes Jesus aside – to correct Him! To this day, I hear people say that they would prefer to skip the Cross and go straight to the Resurrection. I would too! But life is not like that and neither is Jesus. Through the Cross the purest of love is born. I have seen some people here over the past year carry their cross and grow in love, patience, understanding, generosity and all that are good and worthwhile in life. These are the traces of Resurrection already present. It is sad when otherwise good people lack the courage to take their cross and grow into new life.

Back to the question you are working on with Jesus. Your answer as to who He is can only be your answer. But Jesus embraces you and tells you who you are – His child.

Aodhán Ó Troighthigh, C.P. (Aidan Troy, C.P.)