The Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

In today’s Gospel (Matthew) Jesus asks, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”  Jesus isn’t fishing for compliments or setting up a theological discussion.  This actually is a question. 

People really were confused about who Jesus was.  Some thought he was a prophet, some thought he was John the Baptist back from the dead.  But no one was saying “that’s him, he’s the Messiah.” 

Which is why when Peter responds, you can hear the joy in Jesus’ voice.  He is elated when Peter gets it right, because the conventional wisdom has it wrong. 

This is the question that really matters, because the answer will change the lives of both Peter and Paul.  But it’s not just their question, it’s ours too.  And for each of us, it’s the only question that really matters.