As with every Gospel, this week Matthew (16:13-20) poses powerful question(s) for the modern hearer. Let’s begin with the first question which Jesus Himself asks His disciples: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

This is a great spiritual exercise that we all can do. Sit down somewhere quiet, where nobody will disturb you. Give yourself 20 minutes of complete silence. Turn off the TV, the radio, the iPhone—clear your mind and tell your spouse or your kids to clear the room. Put the dog outside, too. Maybe, if you need it to calm down, put on some VERY quiet, soothing music.

If you have a bible with you or if can remember a favorite account from the gospel or sacred scripture—read it or repeat its essence to yourself. Do this over-and-over again; maybe three or four times. Clear your mind and focus, be calm.

Now close your eyes. Think of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Think of what He looks like, what He might be wearing, think of His hair, His face—nose and ears, think of His hands. Think of the smells around you as if you were sitting at the Sea of Galilee or talking with Him in the streets of Caesarea Philippi. Maybe it’s a salty smell, damp but warm; maybe the area around you is full of smells—of spices, animals or people. Relax and invite Jesus into your presence and into your conversational thoughts. Think of that gospel account that you just read or the story from your memory. Listen to the conversation taking place. Let it reside with you. In a few minutes, consider the following:

• What does Jesus look like to you?

• What family member or friend has Christ-like qualities, skills and words.

• Whose actions remind you of Christ acting in the gospels.

Using your mind’s voice, talk with Christ or that person who exemplifies Christ in your life:

• What would you ask Him?

• What would you tell Him at this very moment in your life?

• What problems or issues are affecting you and your family?

• With what do you need help?

• What do you want to hear from Christ?

“Who do people say that the Son of Man is? ”

We all have created ideals of Christ or God in our lives. Deep down, we all have a hope of His mercy, of His compassion, of His forgiveness. Maybe it matches what the Church teaches, maybe not.

For some folks, God is all-forgiving. It does not matter what “I” have done, said or failed to do—He is so merciful that “I” will be forgiven and “I” will enter heaven…and “I” will have a great seat!

For others, God is equally just as He is forgiving—and “my” sins, weaknesses and omissions have consequences. Heaven might not be a slam-dunk?! “I” might have to refocus on Purgatory (yes, the Church does believe in and still teach about Purgatory).

Our Catholic faith calls us to ask the question: who is the Son of Man for me, and how do I interact with Him now—in my present life—in all that I say or do or fail to say or fail to do— and how will the Lord respond to my lived-life in the here-and-now.

No matter the vision we have of God, whether it is more closely aligned with the Church’s understanding or more
“loosee-goosey” with an anything-goes style to it, the one thing we are certain about is that the Lord our God is much more merciful that we human beings are; His love is agape,unconditional, and yet He is Just. He has told us everything that we need to know in Sacred Scripture and Tradition. He has given us the Church to help explain in human terms His out-of-this-world love, and then He floods us with His grace to accept and live that love out as best we can, complete with our failings. It’s a choice—and it is ours.
Let us all allow this exercise to lead us deeper into prayer life and to help us align our wills with the Will of all Wills, that of Christ: formed by love, directed by hope, with an end result being salvation for all.