Many people find Jesus to be a great companion.
During my time at Saint Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal, Canada, I observed all kinds of people visit and pray. Many of them were not Catholics, but still did their veneration with great respect in prayer to Jesus. I got into dialogue with some Hindus and asked who Jesus was for them. They told me he was a miracle man, great prophet, guru, teacher. They felt peace and healing as he was their companion in joy and suffering. They did not tell me Jesus was their savior, but they experienced Jesus in their lives.
When Jesus asks today who the disciples say he is, Peter is inspired by heaven that Jesus is the anointed one to bring new hope for humanity and answers “You are the Christ.” What Peter cannot fathom is Jesus having to suffer and die for this. His image of Jesus the Messiah was a glorified one. We all have a different view of Jesus … who is he to you?
Let our families be blessed in the love and presence of Jesus. Amen.
