“Who do you say that I am?” (Mark 8:28)
When I was in middle school (many years ago), I had an encounter with Jesus in the Bible. I got into the habit of reading the bible everyday. I had one of those sheets that gave suggestions of passages to read when one was dealing with specific live issues (When worried, read Luke 12:22-31, When happy, read 1Thessalonians 5:16-18, When…). Once I got through my list, I started reading the Gospels and getting to know Jesus as a person, as my friend, and as a brother. The “brother image” has stayed with me to this day and is one that I can easily relate to, and take a lot of comfort in. Maybe having 4 brothers that draws me to this image ,or maybe it’s the concreteness of thinking about a real person relating to me.
When thinking about the phrase “Who do you say that I am?” I would answer: You, Jesus, are someone who is a brother to me. You hang out with me as my brothers do and listen to my joys and frustrations. I even wonder sometimes if you tease me with the unusual people and crazy situations that enter my every day life. The spirit of your presence reminds me to laugh and take things in stride. When life becomes difficult or sad, You remind me that I am never alone…a phone call away. It is much easier to walk into difficult situations with my Brother than alone. Each week I am reminded of the “Real Presence” of Jesus in my life when I celebrate and receive Eucharist. Jesus, my brother, gives me the gift of himself over and over to remind me of who he is…My brother, my friend, my God. What a GIFT!
Sue Devine-Simon
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