Luke 9:18-22
And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples also were with him: and he asked them, saying: Whom do the people say that I am? But they answered and said: John the Baptist; but some say Elias: and others say that one of the former prophets is risen again. And he said to them: But whom do you say that I am? Simon Peter answering, said: The Christ of God. But he strictly charging them, commanded they should tell this to no man. Saying: The Son of man must suffer many things and be rejected by the ancients and chief priests and scribes and be killed and the third day rise again.
Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Christ marks a turning point in the Gospel. Yet Jesus immediately speaks of His coming suffering, revealing that the Messiah’s mission includes sacrifice. Faith involves recognizing not only Christ’s glory but also His path of self-giving love. This Gospel challenges us to trust God even when His plans differ from our expectations. Following Jesus means embracing both hope and the Cross.