Peter’s Confession
In Sunday’s Gospel, Peter confesses that Jesus is the Christ. What does this mean? What does it not mean?
First, the title “Christ” means “the Anointed One” or “the Messiah.” It is a title; it is not Jesus’ last name.
Second, the titles “Messiah” and “Christ” were filled with political and religious meanings and expectations. For the Jews of Jesus’ time, these titles carried the hope of returning the land of Israel to Jewish control and overthrowing the occupying forces—the Romans. They also pointed to a time when the ways of God would govern the world, a time of peace and justice.
While the spiritual meaning of the Messiah was similar to Jesus’ message, it was not exactly what Jesus meant. For Jesus, the role of the Messiah, or the Christ, was one of redemption from sin and the in-breaking of the Kingdom of God.
Jesus, the Messiah
Jesus was faithful to the religious meaning of the Torah and to God’s will for Israel. In fact, His obedience to the will of God would lead to His death. His obedience would redeem our disobedience.
God’s Kingdom means living as God wills. Jesus was reluctant to use the title for Himself because of its political understanding.
Third, yes, Jesus is the Messiah and the Christ—but not in the popular way people expected. Each of us must confess who Jesus is.
Living the Gospel
If you confess that Jesus is the Christ, then you must strive to live as Jesus taught us by loving God and our neighbor. You must strive to be a person of honesty, integrity, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, empathy, and justice.
You must be a person who recognizes the dignity of every person, especially the poor. Yes, the Kingdom of God will come in God’s time. For now, it exists in the Gospel values we live and practice.
So, who do you say Jesus is?
Msgr. Guy A. Massie
August 23, 2026
