In prayer before the Lord

Jesus was praying in a secluded place with His disciples when He asked them, "Who do the crowds say that I am?" They answered, "Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and still others think that one of the ancient prophets has risen again." Jesus then asked, "But what about you? Who do you say I am?" Peter responded, "The Christ of God" (Luke 9:18-22).

The Gospel begins by showing Jesus in prayer. He was in a secluded place.

In a secluded place, seeking God's discernment is emphasized. In the Gospel of Luke, during decisive moments when Jesus needed to make discernments, He was always preceded by prayer. Our moments of significant decisions must also be preceded by prayer. Let prayer be a hallmark of our lives and existence. For example, in Jesus' baptism, the choosing of the apostles, the transfiguration, and now, before Peter's confession.

In prayer, intimacy with God is born. This reveals to us that true knowledge of Jesus does not stem solely from intelligence, reading books, or theology, but from a revelation received in intimacy with God. While the crowd forms incomplete opinions, the disciples are led to a deeper faith.

The world may admire Jesus as a teacher, a moral leader, or a spiritual leader, but only the faith granted by the Father recognizes in Him the Christ of God, the Anointed One, the Promised One from the Old Testament, as revealed by Peter's response.

May Peter's response also be our response regarding Jesus: "You are the Christ, the Son of God."

May the blessing of Almighty God descend upon you and remain with you: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen!