School is back in session and Jesus is giving a test to his pupils. In today's Gospel he asks "Who do you say that the Son of Man is?" 

As many times as I've been in a classroom where I heard that question asked or provided that question to students, I've always been surprised there hasn't been a class clown raise their hand and respond, "I'm going say that Jesus is the 'Son of Man.'" I mean, the answer in the mind of your average smart aleck is that Jesus answered the question in the very question he asked. Right? 

As often happens with many short clippings from the Bible, more is going on than we see on the surface. This same scene is repainted three different ways in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. In Mark and Luke, the question is asked, "Who do you say that I am" which Jesus does eventually get to in the Gospel of Matthew. (The second time that he asks the question, he doesn't say "Son of Man" he asks "who you say that I am".)  This would be a good time to note that there is always an interesting interplay between the word "I am" and Jesus' use of the words "I am" because one of the ways that the name for God (Yahweh) is translated is I am who am. 

But notice, Jesus doesn't say in Matthew's Gospel (at least here) that he is the "Son of Man," he just asks who people think the Son of Man is? We tend to insert our assumption that he is referring to himself. And by the way, what does "Son of Man" really mean? Is it different than "Son of God" (spoiler alert... it is) and why do the Gospel writers and listeners use different terms at different times? 

It's an amazing adventure to journey through these questions and discover the richness of our Catholic faith. Personally, I can track a long dialogue I have had with the question "Who I think Jesus is" through many classes, retreats, and times of prayer. I can point to times in my life where I thought of Jesus as a sort of superhero, a philosopher, a rebel, a judge, a calming presence, my CEO, and more. Through my adult years, I have best known Jesus as a friend, just as he asks for us to be with him (John15:15). This past week, I came back from a retreat where the same question came back and now the words I find myself responding are that Jesus is my purpose. 

Knowing that our relationship with Jesus and our understanding of him changes, I find myself less interested in anyone's particular answer at any point in their life and more insistent that we constantly ask the question and seek the answer.  Undoubtedly, this question will be given to our students during the school year ahead. "Who is Jesus to them?" As they head back, it is a good reminder for those of us who are currently not in school to ask the same question. again and again. 

"Who is Jesus to you?" 

There's always more to find out about him and his love for us all. In your relationship with Jesus, whatever stage you find yourself, don't be surprised that it grows and changes year by year.

We are so excited to welcome back our students to the 23-24 school year.  It will be a great year!

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