Thursday 20 February 2020
James 2:1-9. Psalm 33(34):2-7. Mark 8:27-33.
The Lord hears the cry of the poor – Psalm 33(34):2-7.
‘But who do you say, I am.’
This crucial question draws to a close the first half of Mark’s Gospel. So, Jesus is not a triumphant but a suffering Messiah. Jesus asks this all-important question: ‘Who do people say I am?’ The disciples’ answers are varied: ‘John the Baptist; Elijah; one of the prophets.’ I hear Jesus sighing as he asks them again: ‘But who do you say I am?’ It is Peter who answers him, ‘You are the Messiah.’ Initially, Peter has the right answer but soon is rebuked by Jesus: ‘Get behind me, Satan, you are setting your mind, not on divine things but on human things!’ Poor Peter, wrong again! Lord, your question to the disciples has echoed down the centuries and we still hear it asked of us today. Strengthen the bonds between us. Keep us close to you, as we carry our crosses and burdens that come from being your disciples.
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