Daily Catholic Lectio
Thu, 20 February ‘25
Sixth Week in Ordinary Time – Thursday
Genesis 9:1-13. Psalm 102. Mark 8:27-33
You are the Messiah!
Today’s Gospel reading (Mk 8:27-33) is structured in two key sections: (a) The Revelation of the Messiah; (b) Jesus as the Suffering Messiah.
Instead of directly declaring His identity, Jesus allows His disciples to express the people’s views about Him before leading them to a deeper understanding. This revelation unfolds through two questions: “Who do people say I am?” “Who do you say I am?”
(1) “Who Do People Say I Am?”
The revelation of the Messiah begins through external perspectives—what others say or believe. This is how we first acquire knowledge: through the opinions, traditions, and expectations of society.
Some believed Jesus was John the Baptist, a view held by Herod. Others thought He was Elijah, because Jewish expectation held that Elijah must return before the Messiah. Many regarded Him as a prophet—like Elisha—because of His miraculous works. These responses show that while people recognized Jesus as extraordinary, they did not yet fully grasp His true identity.
(2) “Who Do You Say I Am?”
Now, the question shifts to the disciples personally: They are no longer just repeating what others say. They must draw from their own experience. Peter, speaking on behalf of the disciples, declares: “You are the Messiah!” This is a brief but profound confession. At that time, Messianic expectations were strong, and many had falsely claimed to be the Messiah.
But Peter’s understanding was incomplete.
He saw Jesus as the Messiah, but he imagined Him as a powerful, victorious ruler. He could not comprehend a suffering Messiah. This is why, in the second part of the passage, Jesus predicts His suffering, death, and resurrection.
When Peter objects, Jesus rebukes him sharply, saying: “Get behind me, Satan! You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”
This shows that true discipleship requires letting go of worldly expectations and embracing God’s plan.
Covenant with Noah
In the first reading, God makes a covenant with Noah, setting forth both commands and prohibitions to guide humanity. This covenant serves as a foundation for moral and spiritual life. Just as God’s words shaped and guided Noah’s people, Jesus’ words shape and guide His disciples.
What do we learn from these readings?
(a) “Who do you say I am?” – A question for us
This question is not just for the disciples—it is for us today. Our answer defines our relationship with Jesus. When we answer, we also answer a deeper question: “Who am I?”
In silence and reflection, let us listen for Jesus’ voice and seek our personal response.
(b) The value of suffering
Our natural instinct is to seek pleasure and avoid suffering. But suffering helps us grow and refine our character. Instead of fleeing from challenges, let us embrace them as opportunities for transformation.
(c) To embrace greatness, let go of smallness
Jesus rebuked Peter’s worldly thinking because true greatness requires sacrifice. To live as God desires, we must let go of limited, human-centred thinking. If we want to be like God, we must rise above mere human reasoning.
A call to transformation
Peter had to let go of his old ideas of the Messiah to fully follow Jesus. Likewise, we must let go of false assumptions about life, faith, and success to embrace God’s truth. Are we ready to answer Jesus’ question with faith and commitment?
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
Missionary of Mercy
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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