Who do “they” say Jesus is?
There are probably a million or more answers to this question as people define their personal Jesus based on ideologies they embrace. They want the “seal of approval” of Jesus over what they believe to be true and how they want to live their life.
This happens in a formal way in the tens of thousands of non-Catholic ecclesial communities that are out there. Each of these denominations have unique and often conflicting doctrines of faith. Some of these doctrines are critical to the salvation of a soul. Their image of Jesus is marred by the theology they preach, because they need a Jesus that represents the theology they want to believe is true.
It also happens informally in our lives. Sometimes we see this in a very visible way. Take for instance, a “Catholic” politician that supports anti-life legislation and regulation. They often create an image of Jesus that allows them to compromise on the objective truths of the faith in order to reconcile with what they refer to as the “will of the people”. One might say, they choose Barabbas over Jesus.
That said, none of us are immune to the risk of adopting a false image of Jesus. Anytime we try to justify putting our will before God's will or try to justify putting what we want to believe before what the Church actually teaches, we are in danger of developing a false image of Jesus. What are those things in life that cause us to choose Barabbas over Jesus? Definitely something we can all take to prayer.
This is precisely what makes the second question so very powerful. Jesus isn't just asking for a personal reflection of who one person thinks He is. I believe this is our first example in Church history of the Pope making a proclamation with the college of bishops. This isn't just a fisherman named Simon providing a personal answer to a question. This is the Church making a declaration through Peter. In Matthew's account of this event, Jesus says that it is the Father that reveals this Truth of who Jesus is. The Father revealing this Truth through the Church.
Ultimately, that's how we come to understand who Jesus really is. The Father continues to reveal the authentic Jesus Christ to and through the Catholic Church. Very practically, obviously, through His true presence in the Eucharist. But, also in all aspects of our life. How we face personal moral decisions in our daily life. How we chose and live out our life vocation. How we vote. How we relate to others. Whatever the situation is, we must always understand who Jesus is in that situation and, in a very substantial way, understand “what would Jesus do”. The answer to those questions are always found in the Catholic Church, because that is how He is revealed by the Father.
This is why Jesus stressed the importance of listening to the Church in the Gospel of Matthew. This is why Saint Paul referred to the Church as the pillar and bulwark of Truth in his letter to Saint Timothy.
Listening to the Truth taught by the Catholic Church will ensure we choose Jesus over Barabbas.
Thanks be to God!
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