March 3rd Reflection by Bill Lynch

Mark 8:27-30 (NRSV)
Peter's confession
Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" And they answered him, "John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." He asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Messiah." And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.

Reflection
Peter got it right here, but barely. The vision was still foggy. The understanding of what it meant to be the Messiah wasn't clear to Peter, the disciples or any of the people of that day or even of this day. Sure, we know the story of old, but it continues to unfold to us what the real meaning of what Jesus has done for all creation even to this day. We don't see it clearly yet. Even though God, loves us and has called us his own, we don't see God as God is.

Yet, we are called to live in this sinful world and as sinful people, to follow Jesus as disciples. We are called to use the gifts the Spirit freely gives to the glory of God. We live in the hope of the return of the Messiah to raise the living and the dead. We live in the hope and the promise of the resurrection. We can live lives full of joy and hope because of what God has done for us through Jesus and the Spirit. We are children of a new creation that we don't see clearly as yet but that we know will be made clear by God some day.

So, we can boldly proclaim to Jesus--- You are the Messiah! Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, you are God! Use me to bring glory to you today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen