Who Do You Say That I Am? A Call to Deep Discipleship

Who Do You Say That I Am? A Call to Deep Discipleship

For hundreds and hundreds of years in the Catholic tradition, . . .

. . . well before the image of the rainbow was co-opted for other agendas less connected to the gospel of the Lord, the rainbow set in the sky as a sign of the covenant has long been held to be a symbol of Our Lady. It is not uncommon in some parts of Europe to find stained glass windows or art in churches, which would feature a rainbow with Our Lady enthroned upon the top of it.

This image of the bright and glorious rainbow after the flood was seen as a sign of Our Lady assumed into the glory of heaven. Placed on a throne to watch over the people and so that when they looked up and saw her, knowing that they could turn to her for her intercession and to help them come to know the Lord, they were looking at a sure and certain sign that our salvation indeed had been won.

Jesus and His Disciples

The Gospel passage reflects on a key turning point in the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus begins to shift His focus from public teaching to forming His disciples. The reflection emphasizes that Christian discipleship requires consistent commitment rather than occasional engagement. As Jesus questions His disciples about His identity, Peter declares, “You are the Christ.” However, Jesus instructs them not to share this yet, as their understanding is still incomplete. True knowledge of Christ requires embracing the mystery of the cross.

Jesus then reveals His impending suffering, death, and resurrection, which Peter initially resists, prompting Jesus’ rebuke: “Get behind me, Satan.” This underscores the contrast between human thinking and God’s plan. The passage connects this lesson to Lent, a time for deepening discipleship, self-denial, and embracing the cross as the path to true knowledge of Christ.

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Who Do You Say That I Am? A Call to Deep Discipleship