Who is Jesus for You?

There is a song called “Treasures” – it speaks about treasure in our fields. Treasures in our mountains – treasures in our fields – treasures in our gardens – treasures in our skies….we have treasures in each other. We have treasure in children - grandchildren – friends. But our greatest treasure is the Faith and the things of Faith: Love, Goodness, Mass, Holy Communion & Sacraments. These are the treasures we bear witness to every day …whatever our treasures are Jesus wants to make sure that we need to connect them with you. The giver of all good gifts. There is always a danger that our treasures can become our God. When that happens – they own us – and we are at the mercy of them.

• No man can serve two Gods
• No man can be so possessive as not be willing to help the poor neighbor

We have lots of toys and treasures – and when we let go of them, we are giving away something of ourselves – and that’s painful. And that is what Jesus meant when he said: “Take up your cross and follow me – and find treasures in heaven.”

In today’s Gospel, we read the response made by Peter to the question of Jesus: “Who do they say that I am.” While the Apostles gave all the opinions of the public, Jesus wanted to know what they themselves thought. What do you think, not what others are saying. Peter’s response was a confession of Faith, inspired by the Holy Spirit: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” (Matthew 16:16) Then Jesus says: “No flesh and blood has revealed this to you but my Heavenly Father.” Then Jesus went on to tell Peter that he would be the rock on which he would build the church. (Matthew 16:18)

When people think of Jesus Christ they make a judgment about him. French philosopher and historian Ernest Renan said: “All history is incomprehensible without Christ.” These words reflect the words of St. John in the prologue to his Gospel: “All things come to be through Him, and without Him nothing came to be.” (John 1:3) Yet again John puts it beautifully: “He is the true light, enlightening every man coming into the world.” (John 1:9) Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote: “His name is not so much written but ploughed into the history of the world.” Another scholar, Kenneth Scott Latourette, chairman of the Department of Religion at Yale Graduate School of Religion wrote: “That short life of Jesus has been the most influential over lived.” Through him millions have been transformed and have begun to live the life which he exemplified. Gauged by the consequences which have followed the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus, these have been the most important events in human history.

As Christians, we believe that Jesus Christ is True God and True Man, who came to save mankind. In and through this man Jesus, God touched our world in a powerful way. All history led up to his coming, and since that great event - all history takes its meaning from it.

Every Sunday we gather to celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. For us he is the Savior of the World, and our Savior. Our celebration on Sunday is not an ancient ritual from the past. In every Mass the Sacrifice of Calvary is made present on our altars in a sacramental way – under the appearances of bread and wine. For every Mass, we receive the Lord Jesus, who lived, died and rose from the dead, that we might live in light. In every Holly Communion we meet this Risen Lord. He comes to be our companion and give us the grace and strength to face the difficulties which come our way in life. His presence and his power can mean the difference between hope and despair… When we put ourselves into the arms of Jesus, we will feel safe… When we reach out in loving service of our brother and sisters, we are recognizing his presence - in the people who need us.