RETHINKING THE IDENTITY, OUR UNDERSTANDING, AND ACCEPTANCE OF JESUS THE CHRIST.

Jesus, in today’s gospel (Mark 8:27-35), raised a question of identity to his disciples. The question and law of identity center on differentiating an ‘A’ from a ‘B.’ Each thing is always identical to itself. “Who do people say that I am?” eventually led to “But who do you say that I am?” The second question is pretty significant given that it invites the disciples to a search to know and understand their Master and a self-disclosure of the Master to his disciples. As essential and personalized as the second question is, it is still needful and pastorally beneficial to reflect on the first question that leads to it for a moment. This reflection is crucial for considering people’s understanding of our identity. It calls for deep introspection and contemplation of the impression we make on people’s lives.

The disciples’ response to Jesus’ question about who the people said he was were Elijah, John the Baptist, and one of the prophets. John the Baptist was the precursor of the Lord, the voice in the desert who called many to repentance in preparation for Christ’s coming. He was respected by all, perhaps except Herod and his wife, for his preaching, courage, and the truth he spoke. Elijah was God’s great prophet who did many good things in God’s name, including standing up to the prophets of Baal. The prophets were more or less respected for whom they spoke. Apart from the times they enjoyed a positive reputation, they were sometimes ridiculed or killed, but on account of their fidelity to their mission. What is common to the three identities attributed to or associated with Jesus by the people is integrity. Those personalities were people of integrity. So, it was positive when the people adjudged our Lord to be them. Brothers and Sisters, despite the lousy and inaccurate image an individual or group may sometimes choose to have about us, are we confident that we have made good impressions on people’s lives? How positively life-transforming were the marks or impressions we have made on people who encountered us at various levels? Could the sound but incorrect description of Jesus’ identity by the people help us think about ways to improve our relationship with others? Let’s then return to the correct description of Jesus’ identity.

The second question to his disciples about who they thought he was led to a correct description by Peter: “You are the Christ.” Jesus was not any of those considered by the people, but he certainly is the Messiah— 'the anointed one of God. This truth by Peter does not yet lead him to understand Jesus. Little wonder he was quick to oppose the idea of a suffering Messiah and got rebuked by the Lord. We can all relate to this struggle to understand Jesus' true identity. We struggle with it, especially when things go wrong in our lives. Jesus was to self-disclose his identity to his disciples through the cross. This self-disclosure aided their understanding and, by extension, our understanding and knowledge of him. In the dark moments of our life, we are encouraged to remain firm in acceptance of him as our Messiah who never abandons us, though we may find ourselves walking through the valley of the shadow of death. If we believe and know we have a Messiah as our Lord (Master) who, through his actions and journey to the cross, showed himself as one sent by his Father and who believed and trusted his Father, our lives would be positively impacted. Hence, there is an implication for accepting the true identity of Jesus.

In today’s epistle, St. James pointedly says, “Faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead,” and “Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith.” This is interesting in some ways. There is a temptation to think that James advocates “work” instead of faith. There is also a temptation to believe that true faith and works can be separated. Dear friends, we must not fall into these temptations. Jesus’ belief and trust in his Father led him to inaugurate God’s kingdom by preaching, healing, feeding the hungry, and ultimately by his obedient action (all of those constitute work) on the cross. In him is the realization of the unity between faith and work. He lived this ideal and invited everyone who claimed to know him to do the same. Thus, “let your light shine (the light of faith) before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Knowing and understanding his identity leads one to the crucial task of aligning faith with actions. This task should motivate and get us all committed. Knowing Jesus should lead one to appreciate the harmony or unity between faith and works. How often have we tried to pursue one and abandoned the other? Have our actions (works) towards and among people always reflected our faith? Is our faith separated from practical or concrete acts of love and mercy that ought to be the fruits of genuine faith? We may want to hear Jesus ask us again today: But who do you say I am? Who is He to me and you? How would our sincere answer to that question shape and improve our lives today?

                                                                                 Fr. Emmanuel Madu.

Baby Bulldogs

Registration is Now Open!

Baby Bulldogs is a weekly meeting for infants, toddlers and their caregivers.  There will be free play followed by music and movement.

Where: Saint Andrew Gymnasium

When: Thursdays from 9:00 am - 9:45 am

Dates: October 10th through December 19th (no class on November 28th)

Cost: $75.00 for one child, $125.00 for two or more children

Register here​​​​​​​

If you have any questions, please contact Anne Japsen at annejapsen@gosaintandrew.com

We look forward to seeing you there!

Bulldog Buddies

Bulldog Buddies is a class for students who turn two years old by September 1, 2024.  Our experienced teachers and engaging curriculum offer children the opportunity to experience our school setting in a safe, nurturing environment along with their caregivers.

Classes will meet on:

Tuesdays and Fridays

October 1 - November 22nd (No class on November 8th)

8:00 am - 9:30 am

Click here to register.​​​​​​​

Come Join Us!

We have limited seats for the 24-25 school year! Do you have a friend or neighbor that is considering applying to the best school in Chicago? Sign up for a tour here: schedule a tour New student applications for the 24-25 can be found here: New Student Application