Polls

How often do we wonder what other people think of us ? Quite often , it turns out. It seems our societ is ruled by polls :polls about political leaders, about issues of the day , about shopping habits. And the self-help industry is flourishing in our culture where fear of others opinions results in panic and paralysis. No one seems sure of ( or happy about who they are !
Jesus in today's gospelseems to be no stranger to such wonderings . He asks his disciples ' Who do you people say who I am ? ' After the other disciples offer a few answers , Peter responds ' You are the Messiah. ' Jesus then teaches the disciples what it means to be a Messiah. He speaks of suffering , rejection , and death . This isn't at all what Peter was expecting -he quickly looks for other option , another idea on the subject .
While Peter may be searching for a ' better ' answer , Jesus does'nt need the apostle's approval . Jesus know who he is and sure of his message. All of his work is to help others to take up their case and follow. To take the way of the cross, to embrace our suffering , ' is to walk the presence of the Lord. in the land of the living.' ' It is to walk with confidence that we are graced and beloved of God.' It is to walk in the sureness of God's mercy and compassion.'

Carmen Diston, Toronto,ON.