Understanding Jesus:
Who do you say that I am?

		Living the Scriptures  with St. Paul University  Catholic Center  Fr. David Wanish

I often think that I know someone or something, but really my knowledge is always in a state of growth.

For the past year, I often passed by a tree in my neighborhood. Its branches extended over the sidewalk. I knew it simply as the tree that made me duck my head every time I passed it.

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time (June 20, 2004) Zec 12:10-11; 13:1 Ps 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9 Gal 3:26-29 Lk 9:18-24

Then in late April, I was stunned by its beautiful red blossoms and rich fragrance! The scent was so strong it transported me to another world, one of overwhelming springtime and fresh newness of life. That tree is special to me now in a way that it wasn't before.

At my high school class reunions, I have been equally surprised by the changes that have occurred in the lives of people that I knew from years ago. Some of the quiet ones have become much more outgoing. Some that seemed least likely to take on roles of leadership and responsibility have done just that.

I didn't know it years ago, but the seeds of who they would later become were in them during our high school days. Given the opportunity, people flower in wonderful ways, just like the trees do when they are given time.

Jesus asked Peter, "Who do you say that I am?" Peter knew that Jesus was the Christ, yet there was much more that remained for him to learn about the Lord - that he would suffer, be killed, and be raised. In time, Peter would know the Lord more fully and understand these things.

	Reflection questions • Has my understanding of those I love changed? • How is Jesus revealing himself to me?

This week, our return to ordinary time is an opportunity for us to grow in our understanding of who Jesus is. Let us allow him to reveal himself to us in the many ways that he shows himself. Let us be drawn into a relationship with him that will grow in love and understanding through all time.

Fr. David Wanish is parochial vicar of St. Paul University Catholic Center, Madison.

St. Paul's Web site is www.stpaulscc.org

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