In today's gospel Jesus is very aware that he has little time left on earth. But before he goes to Jerusalem to die on the cross, however, Jesus has to know whether or not the people have some idea as to who he is. He needs to know whether they understand what he has been teaching them, and most of all, whether or not there is anyone to carry on the work he has begun.

It is with these concerns in mind that Jesus asks his disciples, "Who do the people say that I am?" Their response must have been somewhat disheartening for Jesus as the disciples reply by saying: some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, and some others Jeremiah the prophet. Jesus had spent almost three years teaching and instructing the people about the kingdom of God, and had performed numerous miracles in their midst, and yet from the responses given by the disciples, it seemed obvious that the people still did not recognize the truth as to who Jesus was.

Jesus then asks the next question, most probably, with some anxiousness. He says to his disciples, "But you - who do you, say that I am." His disciples had been those closest to him for almost three years. They knew a lot about him: where he came from, his family background. They had traveled with him. They had heard his teaching. They had witnessed the things Jesus had done - the way he treated the sick, the poor, the outcasts. But did they really know him? Now they had to show their true colors, and say who they believed Jesus to be.

There was probably an uncomfortable few moments while the disciples sat looking at each other, praying that someone would say something. Peter probably didn’t know where the words came from. But suddenly he just knew. Suddenly he realized who Jesus was, and what his teaching was all about. It was as though the sun had dawned, bringing light into darkness. Peter suddenly blurts out the words, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." On hearing these words Jesus probably uttered a sigh of relief, for now he knew that his work was safe, everything had not been in vain, that there was at least someone who understood. Jesus then says to Simon Peter, "This knowledge did not come from another human being, but has been revealed to you by the Father in heaven."

It was by having a personal relationship with Jesus, that Peter was open to the working of the Holy Spirit, and thus open to the Father in his own life. Most probably Peter did not fully understand what he had said, but nonetheless, the faith was there and that was enough for Jesus. Because of his openness and the act of faith, which Peter had just made, Jesus declares to Peter, "You are rock, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the jaws of death shall not prevail against it." It is with this imagery in mind, that of rock, which is hard, strong and an enduring substance, which gives the impression of lasting forever, that Jesus establishes his Church.

Jesus knew that his work in the building up of the Kingdom of God in the world had just begun, and that his time on earth was nearly finished. He knew that his work had to continue and be carried on. To that end Jesus ordained that his work should be continued through the Church, under the direction and primacy of Peter, the Rock, who not only had faith in who Jesus is, but was unafraid to express his faith through his words.

St. James parish along with the other parishes of our diocese are presently involved with the RENEW program. On September 15^th St. James will have its parish mission. As part of that mission, 4 members of our parish will share with us their personal relationship with God. Later in the year parishioners will be invited to participate in small faith sharing groups, which will meet once a week for only 6 weeks. This is a wonderful opportunity for each of us in the parish to have our own spirituality reaffirmed, deepened, enlivened and renewed. It is an opportunity for each of us to grow spirituality and to openly acknowledge who Jesus is to us.

Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador, who was assassinated while celebrating Mass, eloquently said: "Christianity is not a collection of truths to be believed, of laws to be obeyed…Christianity is a person…Christianity is Christ."

It is to each of us, personally, that Jesus the Christ leans over and whispers, "But you – who do you, say that I am?" Jesus must always be our own discovery. And our knowledge of him can never be something we keep locked in a closet. It must be in the open. Christianity does not mean memorizing the Nicene Creed. Rather, it means having a personal relationship with our Savior.

Each of us here is one of the many members of the Body of Christ – the Church – whose mission it is to carry on the teachings of Christ. Each of us has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading others to the Lord. We recognize that we do not and cannot do this alone. We realize that we must allow the hand of the Lord to work his wonders through us despite our human frailties.