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Twenty Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (B) – September 16, 2012

Who Do You Say I Am?

With a simple question, Jesus defined his role on earth and our place in relation to him. Despite the expectations of other, he was to the Suffering Servant from Isaiah. We are to follow his path to death, and resurrection.

MP3 PODCAST In this week’s audio podcast, Jesus asks us: “Who do you say I am?” This is more than just a question of Jesus’ true identity. It is a question of OUR relationship with him. Are we his disciples or not? The answer to the one question gives us the answer to the other.

FIRST READING The prophet Isaiah declared he was a true prophet. He would outlast the slings and arrows of his opponents, for he spoke words that would outlast any other. He spoke the word of God. As Isaiah spoke, so would his Anointed, the Christ.

PSALM  Psalm 116 thanked the Lord for his blessing, even in the face of danger on a pilgrimage. Like the traveler of old, we, too, face obstacles we can only overcome with God’s help. We owe him gratitude for that help and our salvation.

SECOND READING  In his letter, James used exaggeration to make a point. We are to use hospitality and charity to evangelize others, especially the poor.

GOSPEL  Mark presented the true identity of Jesus with a simple question. When we answer his question, we define ourselves as a true follower or merely as a passerby. The answer to his question may give clarity to life, but it also brings the criticism of others.

CHILDREN’S READINGS  In a discussion for the first reading, play the “telephone” game to emphasize the need for clarity in our relationships with others. In the story for the gospel, the fun Tessa had with Adam fueled rumors that hurt both of them. Their peers had expectations they would not meet. The same was true of Jesus. He defied the role Simon Peter and many others had for him. Jesus would be the Christ on his own terms.

FAMILY ACTIVITY  Emphasize the true nature of Christian discipleship. Make a poster labeled “Bring a Christian” and describe the road we need to take to get closer to Jesus.