Homily for the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, Apostle

As the disciples were walking along, Jesus asked them: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”  They replied, “Some believe that you are John the Baptist. Others believe you are Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.”

Jesus was not satisfied with answers the disciples gave. He turned and looks at his disciples. Then he asked, “Who do you say that I am?” What do you think was going through their head? Do you think they were surprised? It’s not surprising that Simon was the one who answered this question.  Peter looked directly at Jesus and said from the depths of his soul: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Today Jesus will ask each of us this question. He will look at you and say, “Who do you say that I am?” How we you respond to this question?  Will you be silent for a time as we search our minds and hearts for the answer to Jesus’ question?  Will you respond to Him from the depths of our hearts and proclaim that Jesus is Christ, the Son of the Living God?