Who Is Jesus for Me? On August 23, 2026, Pope Leo XIV addressed the faithful gathered at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, drawing attention to a pivotal moment in the Gospel of Matthew: “Who do you say that I am?” This question, posed to his disciples, continues to challenge believers today. The pope emphasized that this inquiry is not merely historical but deeply personal, urging each Christian to reflect on their understanding of Jesus' identity and significance in their lives. He warned against reducing faith to routine or habit, stressing the need to continually rediscover Christ's presence and message. The question of who Jesus is has long been central to Christian theology and practice. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus asks his followers, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” Their responses range from John the Baptist to Elijah or one of the prophets. When Jesus directly asks them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answers, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus affirms this declaration, calling Peter blessed and entrusting him with the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. This moment underscores the transformative power of faith and the divine authority vested in those who recognize Christ’s true nature. In Slovenia, the Mariborska diocese’s spiritual director, Jure Sojč, reflected on this passage during a Sunday sermon. He highlighted how the question of Jesus’ identity remains relevant, challenging individuals to move beyond superficial interpretations. C.S. Lewis, whose writings have profoundly influenced many, proposed three possibilities regarding Jesus: he could be a fraud, a madman, or truly the Son of God. Sojč noted that Lewis dismissed the idea of Jesus being merely a great moral teacher, emphasizing instead the necessity of confronting the reality of Christ’s divinity. Sojč further explained that the Church was established by Jesus himself, entrusting Peter with the responsibility of safeguarding unity among believers. This legacy continues through the papacy, which carries forward the mission of preserving the integrity of the Gospel. The call to serve others, as exemplified by the Caritas organization, reflects the Church’s commitment to both spiritual and practical ministry. During a recent gathering in Halozah, the bishop of Maribor, Alojzij Cvikl, reminded participants that loving God and neighbor are inseparable. He urged them to see service as an expression of love, noting that true compassion does not seek reward but freely gives itself to others. Cvikl also spoke about the modern condition of loneliness and the sense of insignificance many feel. He argued that recognizing one’s value in God’s eyes can restore hope and strength. Drawing from the story of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, he illustrated how even the most neglected individuals can find renewed purpose through acts of kindness. He stressed that the work of Caritas, helping those in need, is not just about providing aid but also about listening, offering encouragement, and standing by people in their darkest moments. The bishop highlighted that serving others is one of the three pillars of the Church’s mission, alongside proclaiming the Word and celebrating the sacraments. He cited the parable of the Good Samaritan as a powerful example of selfless service, noting that helping someone in distress, even when they cannot repay the favor, makes one an instrument of God’s mercy. Through such actions, the Church becomes a beacon of hope and compassion. Meanwhile, the Pope’s reflection on the same Gospel passage called for a deeper engagement with the mystery of Christ. He challenged Christians to examine whether they view Jesus as a historical figure or the incarnate Son of God who transforms lives. The Pope encouraged believers to avoid complacency, reminding them that faith requires constant renewal and discernment. He invited them to turn to Mary, the Mother of the Church, for guidance on the path of faith. Across these reflections, the common thread is clear: the question of who Jesus is remains urgent and personal. Whether through the teachings of the Gospel, the witness of saints, or the lived experience of community service, the answer shapes not only beliefs but also actions. As the Church continues its mission, it calls all believers to respond with honesty and devotion to the question that has echoed through centuries: Who is Jesus for me?
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