Who do you say I am?
It is a question we all must ask. And there are different ways to look at this. We can, of course, verbally answer the question. And many of us will be able to say what they were taught in Catechism classes or hear in a homily.
We may make it more personal and really try and share what He means to us. He is the comforter and savior. He is the redeemer, and he is God come to earth to save us. He is there for us. He never lets me down. And these are true and good descriptions of Jesus Christ.
But when asking someone the question who is Jesus to you, maybe a better answer lies not in our voice but in the voice of those around us. What others say speaks louder than what we might respond with when asked who is Jesus to you.
Because the true test of who Jesus is to us is how we live our lives. It is important to understand who others say we would say he is.
For it is not words that matter to Jesus but lives changed. This isn’t about works and faith and that tired debate. If we truly live by placing our God first, our actions naturally follow and we will love others and live a holy life. And they will know us by how we love each other, as Jesus taught us.
So, if you want to know who Jesus is to someone, ask their friend or business associate. The answer will be closer to the truth than what is said in direct response to the question.
The call of the follower of Jesus Christ is to give our life to him. To mold our actions to mirror what he would do. To align our will to his will. Being a friend to someone means we know what they love and we know their sorrow. And they know ours. Being a friend to Jesus is like that too. We learn to understand what Jesus loves and just as we change our will or maybe even before, we change what we love to what he loves. And so not only do we know what he loves we live it each day.
Who is Jesus to us? What does our life say? if we aren’t sure then we need to pray and pray more that the Holy Spirit enters our heart and mind and soul so we can understand and accept and live for Christ each day and every moment. It isn’t a casual relationship. He cannot be just a Sunday friend or a friend when we are in trouble. Life is best when we are aligned with his teachings and will.
As crazy as it sounds when we truly love and live as he taught us we aren’t focused on following rules and commands but feel the freedom of a child of God who loves and is loved. Joy becomes the state we live in. I matter the sorrows around us true joy will shine through. Peace can be ours when the world is spouting madness and terrible voices are everywhere in news and media.
Who do you say I am, Jesus asks all of us today
Deacon Tony Pynes 
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