Jesus' question to his disciples in today's Gospel is also relevant to us. "Who do people say that the son of man is?" Although the Apostle Peter has given the true answer to this question, many people still consider Jesus as a mere prophet. Some even think that He was a simple man whose power has been magnified by his disciples. Let alone those who go around defaming His holy name. If you have been living in a context of religious pluralism you surely know that confusion about Jesus' identity. If you have been living in an environment with several churches of different Christian denominations, you might have stumbled upon the poor recognition of Jesus' identity and the underestimate of the role given to Peter in what would be the Church of Christ. Every honest effort to know who Jesus is will surely bring us to the realization that our answer must be a result of faith. Faith in Jesus Christ is a grace from God that unites us to the Church and makes us responsible.

True faith is a grace from God. Everyone is supposed to respond personally to Jesus' question: "But who do you say that I am?". Following Peter's steps, we have recognized Jesus as the "Christ, the son of the living God." After Peter revealed the true identity of Jesus as Christ, Jesus told him that he is blessed to have such faith. Indeed, he is blessed because he has been an instrument of God the Father to reveal this saving truth to other disciples. It means that we should not boast about knowledge because it is a grace from God through the help of other people: catechists, pastors, parents, good friends, etc.

True faith binds in communion with the Church. If Peter is the rock upon which Jesus builds his Church. Jesus considers each believer as a little stone participating in the construction of this gigantic building of Jesus Christ, the Church. No one is left behind and no one should complain because each one has a place in the Church. We just have to do our best to accomplish what is our responsibility and serve the Lord wholeheartedly according to our place in the order of the people of God. Only in the spirit of humility, love, and communion that we can prevail against the division and hatred of the netherworld.

With true faith comes great responsibility. Jesus told Peter "I will give you the Keys of the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." You might be acquainted with the line from the movie Spider Man "With great power comes great responsibility". This can be also said for our Christian faith when we consider it a grace from God. As such, it is a treasure to be cared for and hand on to others. Our faith should not remain sterile; it has to be productive. It must lead us to a change of behavior, mind, and life. The grace of true faith is the engine that moves us to be generous, merciful, and understanding and to help others in their dire need mostly in their spiritual needs.

As you answer Jesus' questions in today's Gospel, do not believe the hearsay, rumor, and gossip about Jesus. Instead, spend time reading the word of God and praying to make a personal encounter with Jesus, to strengthen your faith in him who is the son of the living God. Finally, help others to come to the true faith. Faith is God's grace but you can be the channel of that Grace for those who don't know Christ yet.