“Who do you say that I am?” (Mark 8:29)
What we find then in this passage in Mark is a series of questions about identity and expectations. I think it is important that we realize that these issues are not locked in the past. This was not only a problem for the disciples or those early Christians to whom Mark is writing.
Mark profiles a deeper dynamic that spans the ages: how are human knowledge and expectations in tension with the aims of God? We know the way things are, how they are supposed to go?
More to the point, do our actions align or misalign with God’s will? We also read from the letter of James this week where it is written:
"What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister has nothing to wear and has no food for the day, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well” but you do not give them the necessities of the body, what good is it? So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead." (James 2:14-17)
Pope Francis continues to challenge us to put our faith in action. Reflecting the teachings of The Bible, we are reminded that our very faith in Jesus as Messiah demands that we feed, clothe, welcome, and set free as a very integral part of our work of Evangelization. Share the faith in word and action. Not one or the other. Never one without the other.
The Holy Spirit has given us the faith. We are called to implement it. We proclaim that Jesus loves us, this we know. Let’s show the world that this love is not just a motto. It is not just words. It certainly is not just emotions and chemical reactions. Love is expressed to us as God provides for all our needs—physical needs and spiritual needs. It is uniquely powerful and personal, and it is ours to give to all who are likewise in need. This is true Evangelization. This is the work of Faith. This is the fruit of Love. This withness releases the power of God which brings about conversion.
What do you say? Perhaps I should have written, “Who”!
Pax, Father Mike