The Video Tells All

The great Trappist spiritual writer Thomas Merton once remarked that we should never underestimate our ability to deceive ourselves. Jesus’ question to his followers cuts through any hidden agendas and leaves them vulnerable to his transforming, presence. Before he asks the dangerous question, “Who do you say that I am?” Jesus begins with the safe question, “Who do others say that I am?” Safe because their answer requires no commitment and no risk. Their response simply calls forth a report on the pulse beat of the crowd.

Jesus’ question is an invitation for us not to hide behind the answers of others; we are asked, like Peter, to personally respond to our Lord’s inquiry. So who is Jesus to you? And as importantly, how do you approach adversity and opportunity, the everyday exchanges and the not so common happenings, through your understanding of Christ?

When Jesus quizzes Peter, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter triumphs. "You are the Messiah.” Here’s the challenge for us. Suppose your day were videotaped – unknown to you. And the video were played back before an audience of familiar and unknown people. The attendees were then given a sheet of paper with one question. “Based on the action and thoughts of the person, who is Jesus to this individual?”

How do you want your video to look today? Kathleen M. Sullivan ’82MA ’87PhD
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