Embracing Christ’s Identity: A Call to Faith, Service and Purpose

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 15, 2024

Readings: Isaiah 50:4-9; Psalm 116:1-6, 8-9; James 2:14-18; Mark 8:27-35

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/RdxhYMlTm9c

The sense of identity is a foundational aspect of human existence, shaping how we understand ourselves, our purpose, and our place in the world. In the context of Jesus, identity is deeply intertwined with spiritual calling and divine relationship. Jesus' sense of identity was rooted in His relationship with God the Father, His mission to bring salvation, and His embodiment of divine love and truth. This strong sense of identity empowered Him to remain steadfast in His purpose, even in the face of suffering and rejection. As a believer understanding our identity in Christ invites us to live in alignment with God's will, finding true purpose and meaning through our connection to Him.

1. Authenticity and Identity of Christ as Real

Mark 8:27-35 is a profound passage where Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” This question is central to the identity of Jesus and the nature of discipleship. For this St Peter responds, “You are the Messiah,” a truth that sets the foundation for Christian faith. However, Jesus quickly reminds the disciples that understanding Him as the Messiah isn't about power or earthly glory, but suffering, sacrifice, and humility. Jesus’ identity as the suffering servant calls us to rethink the nature of power in our lives. Discipleship is about following Christ in humility, recognizing that the path to life goes through self-giving love, not personal gain.

How do we answer Christ’s question today? Do we recognize Him not only as Lord but also as the one who invites us into a life of service and sacrifice? Jesus calls those who wish to follow Him to “deny themselves and take up their cross.” This can be understood as a radical reorientation of life. Denying oneself means letting go of ego, pride, jealousy, evil and selfish ambitions. The "cross" is not just suffering for the sake of suffering but aligning ourselves with God’s will, even when it is difficult. In a world that values self-promotion, denying ourselves for the sake of Christ feels countercultural, yet it is the path to true freedom. What crosses are we called to bear today? Are we willing to surrender our comfort and desires for the sake of Christ?

2. Losing to Find something Bigger and Larger

Jesus paradoxically states, “Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” This challenges the common pursuit of security, success, and control over one’s life. Instead, Jesus invites us to "lose" our lives—our attachments, our plans, our need for control—trusting that in Him, we will discover life in its truest form. This is an invitation to a deep faith, where losing leads to finding and surrendering to true fulfillment. Where in your life are you clinging to control? What might God be asking you to release so that you can find the fullness of life He offers?

Being mortal, the reality of suffering is a part of the Christian journey. Jesus openly speaks about His impending suffering, rejection, and death. Following Him means embracing the difficult realities of life with faith. This isn’t about seeking suffering but understanding that trials are part of Christian discipleship. Do we trust that God is with us in our moments of pain? How can we walk in faith when facing difficulties, knowing that resurrection follows the cross?

3. Faith in Action bears Fruit

St James 2:14-18  addresses the relationship between faith and works, emphasizes that faith without action is incomplete. The apostle writes, “What good is it, my brothers and sisters if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?” This challenges the idea that faith can exist in a vacuum, disconnected from our actions. True faith is lived out in practical ways that reveal our love for God and others. Faith is not simply a belief system; it is a transformative power that moves us toward compassion, justice, and service. If we claim to follow Christ, our lives must reflect the values of the Gospel.

Is your faith prompting you to act? How are you embodying God’s love through service, kindness, and mercy toward others? Faith is meant to bear fruit, just as a healthy tree produces good fruit. Faith is dynamic, growing, and visible in our lives through good deeds. A faith that doesn’t change the way we live or interact with others is a stagnant faith, an empty faith. It reminds us that faith isn't just about a relationship between us and God—it must overflow into how we treat the world around us. Our acts of kindness, love, and service are not just for the benefit of others but serve as a testimony to the power of Christ working within us. Our works are the hands and feet of our faith, demonstrating the love of God to a watching world.

Questions for self-reflection

1. What is my personal relationship with the person of Christ today?
2. When I face suffering or challenges, do I see them as opportunities to grow in faith and draw closer to Christ?
3. How can I live more humbly, serving others as Christ did, rather than seeking recognition or status?
4. Am I living in a way that my actions are a testimony to my faith in Christ, or do I keep my faith private?

Prayer based on Psalm 116

Loving and gracious God,

I come before You with a heart full of gratitude. I thank You for hearing me in my moments of need. You are ever close, and Your compassion brings comfort to my soul. When I was lost in distress, You rescued me. When I felt weak and vulnerable, Your mercy upheld me. You are my protector and refuge, the One who saves me from stumbling. 

Teach me to walk before You, Lord, in the land of the living, trusting always in Your goodness and grace. As I journey through life, help me to rest in the knowledge that You are with me, sustaining me with Your love and guiding me on the path of righteousness. In Your holy name, I pray, Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

September 13, 2024