Thursday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time ‘a’

Mk 8:27-33

I like to observe different people coming to church on Sunday. Sometimes I try to think what the reason is that some of them come. Is it the love of the Eucharist? or do they want to listen to the word of God and a good homily? Some come, sit in the far corner of the church, and pray silently; some love the feeling of a community that worships together. Some people come only occasionally to ask God for a favor, or something significant is happening in their lives and they want to talk to God. I know that some come just because they feel obligated to be there on Sunday and some just to meet with friends or go out to breakfast afterwards. I must admit -- I do think about others and the reasons they come to Christ. But I forget to think about my own reasons: why do I come to God? Who is God for me? It is not about others; it is about me! Jesus asked His disciples: “Who do people say that I am?” and right after that asked much deeper, more personal question: “But who do you say that I am?” It is not about others, but it is about you: why do YOU practice YOUR faith? Who is Jesus for YOU? What do YOU need from Him? Who do YOU say that Jesus is?