1st Reading Acts 12: 1-11
Psalm 34: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 (R. cf 5b)
R:// "From all my terrors, the Lord set me free"
2nd Reading 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18
Gospel Matthew 16: 13-19
THE CHRIST BEYOND NEEDS AND WANTS
Peace and Goodness, friends! Today, we celebrate the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, two great apostles. Today is also the last Sunday in the month of June. We thank God for his graces and providence. Let us look at the readings, especially the Gospel passage from Matthew 16:13-19. The Gospel passage has parallels to Mark 8: 27-29 and Luke 9: 18-20.
The passage can be seen in the light of various themes. It could be seen as Peter's declaration of faith or the identity of Jesus. Regardless, I suggest we consider a few points from the narrative. We need to unlock the passage by looking at the setting, the place of encounter. The location is Caesarea Philippi. This location, I suggest, aligns with Jesus' first question: "Who do men say that the Son of Man is?" (Matt. 16: 13). The other question — "Who do you say that I am?" (Matt. 16: 15) — aligns with what is sacred. Let us dive into it properly.
If there is a description we could give to Caesarea Philippi, then it should be regarded as a "sin" city of the Roman empire. Although it is located within the Jewish territory, its Jewish identity is missing. When the Greeks were ruling, Caesarea Philippi was called "Paneas" because it had a shrine for the Greek god "Pan," often depicted as half man and half goat playing a pipe. This is the Greek god of shepherds, fields, and music. By the way, the English word "Panic" is derived from the god "Pan". That is the first level of sin within Caesarea Philippi. That is not enough. By 2 BC, when the Romans took over from the Greeks during the reign of Herod Philip II, tetrarch of the region, the name was changed from "Paneas" to "Caesarea Philippi", an amalgamation of two names — Caesarea, in honor of his good friend "Caesar Augustus", and Philippi, to honour himself because he is "Philip". By this time, the paganism was even expanded. The city became overtly pagan. It was not only polytheistic, but goats were worshipped and sacrificed there. Sadly, the inhabitants had sexual relations with goats (bestiality). This is the location where Jesus takes his apostles.
In this city, a place of sin and rebellion against God (YHWH), he asks the first question, "Who do men say the Son of Man is?". Jesus gives the clue by identifying himself as "Son of Man." This is a very important title. In Daniel 7, "Son of Man" was used to describe the expected Messiah 600 years before Christ's birth. In fact, Daniel 7:13 says, "I saw coming with the clouds of Heaven One like a Son of Man". Jesus, in Matthew 24: 30, said, " ... and they will see the Son of Man coming upon the clouds of Heaven...". Hence, "Son of Man" is a Messianic title. Jesus gives the clue that he is the Messiah or the Christ. Besides, what is the popular opinion about him, especially in this polytheistic and rebellious city? They mentioned John the Baptist, Elijah, and Jeremiah. All these ones died. John the Baptist was just beheaded. Elijah died 800 years before Christ's birth, and Jeremiah died 600 years before Christ's birth.
The response reveals whom the people prefer Jesus to be. The kind of Jesus, the kind of Messiah, is dependent on personal needs and desires. Thus, "I prefer that the Son of Man be like this kind of person". John the Baptist was the bold and confrontational type. He was one who would attack even failing political leaders and situations. Some wanted the John the Baptist kind of Jesus. Elijah was the powerful, supernatural, and miraculous type. Some want an Elijah kind of Jesus, a miracle worker. Jeremiah was a compassionate, merciful, loving, and kind character. Some people wanted the Jeremiah kind of Jesus.
The issue is that Jesus is all these qualities; but much more than them. The polytheism in Caesarea Philippi would influence these varied responses. Polytheism recognises many gods with different characters and functions. That is the attitude of the secular world. This is a world that looks at Jesus from different perspectives in regard to their needs and wants of the moment and losses sight of the actuality of Jesus as the Messiah. People know Jesus as far as what they need and demand from him. People impose on Jesus a character that will benefit their present quests.
Then comes the second question: "Who do you say that I am?" Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matt. 16: 16). Peter did not only recognise the prime identity of Jesus as the Christ, but pointed out that, against the worship and sacrifice of goats in Caesarea Philippi and the polytheism therein, Jesus is the son of the LIVING God. There is only one God and He is not dead.
The question bounces back to us: "What is your view of Jesus?". It is easy to say Jesus is the Christ if you have not yet arrived at a Caesarea Philippi in your life. Everyone has a Caesarea Philippi, a world that presents the goods and joys of the present life, those that rebel against God, those within which we have to make the choice for God. These are uncomfortable situations. These are situations where faith is tested. In a secular world, in a world that either disregards Jesus or looks up to him only as one who satisfies needs and wants, what is your view of Jesus?
Always remember that it is easier to say of Jesus as the Christ in the comfortable situation. The real test and testimony of Jesus is when you have arrived at your own Caesarea Philippi. Temptations, trials, sufferings, and difficult situations of many kinds are Caesarea Philippi. Peter testified that Jesus is the Christ. It is not a mere recognition. He had options but chose what is true. It took not only intellectual study but also a wholistic encounter to say this. If we make a choice for Jesus and give him the right portrait among men, we are saved from the world's persecution as clear in the first reading (Acts 12: 1-11).
Everyday is a Caesarea Philippi, and we need to stand out to proclaim Christ beyond our individual and personal needs and wants. Make him Christ in every Caesarea Philippi.
Sts. Peter and Paul, pray for us.
Pax et Bonum
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