“Who do you say that I am?” (Mt. 16:15). Jesus directed these words to the apostles but they have been the question for the world and for each of us through the centuries. 

 

To answer that question fully and correctly is the reason and the goal of our Catholic faith. We are not to respond as if it called for us to use our individual thought, desire or creative expression. Rather, we seek to understand and name Jesus as He has shown Himself to us. We seek the truth of who Jesus is.

 

The question is not an easy one for the world. The apostles first responded to Jesus saying that people said he was John the Baptist or one of the prophets. In short, the response sought to fit Jesus into our experience, our understanding, our categories. That of course leaves us more comfortable. Even more it would seem to allow us more control over the meaning of Jesus and over His message.

 

The Gospels tell us that St. Peter brushed these answers aside and said that Jesus was the Messiah and the Son of the Living God (Mt. 16:16). His answer is entirely different. It is greatly elevated from the earthly alternatives proposed by others. And Peter’s words require that we let go of any effort to try and limit or control Jesus. Rather, we are to follow Him.

 

An essential element of who Jesus is has been entrusted to the Church, and that is the Eucharist. Jesus, knowing that Good Friday would be the beginning of the new era when He would be with us truly but in a new way, left us His living presence. 

 

“This is my body.” “This is the chalice of my blood.” These words are facts stated by Jesus by which He is truly with us sacramentally. The Eucharist is His body and His blood, even if hidden under the form of bread and wine. Here is a prime example of our need to let go of our own control (or that of our senses) over Jesus. Rather, we accept in faith that Jesus meant what He said.

 

It is no secret that faith in the Eucharist has diminished today. Only one in five Catholics attends Mass each Sunday. According to recent studies, only half of those Catholics believe that the Eucharist is truly the body and blood of Christ and not merely a symbol. Often, those who believe the Eucharist is symbolic think that is the Church’s faith and teaching.

 

Starting on Corpus Christi Sunday, June 19, the Bishops of the United States will kick off a three year program to renew and revive our Eucharistic belief. The theme of the program is “My Flesh for the Life of the World.”

 

The program envisions the first year being carried out at the level of each diocese, the second year on the parish level and the third year culminating in a Eucharistic Congress. With Eucharistic processions, catechesis especially of groups, families and on the individual level, the effort will seek to renew our collective faith in the Eucharist, the Mass, adoration and the charity of Christ that must be part of our eucharistic faith.

 

I urge each of us to take advantage of this important initiative. Be watching for articles, stories and opportunities for your participation appearing in The Observer and on the diocesan website.

 

But above all, seek to renew your own faith. As always, faith starts first in our own hearts and souls. In the Eucharist, Jesus offers Himself to the world. It is our task to accept and receive our Lord. We must stand with Peter and acknowledge that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. He is the Lord in the Eucharist.