This Sunday we contemplate Jesus, who is, as Peter declares, the Christ, the anointed one of God. Our readings help us to understand the journey Jesus takes to show his love for us.

The First Reading from Isaiah is part of the song of the Suffering Servant. He is to suffer much but he retains his complete confidence and trust in God.

The section of the Psalm given today complements this reading. The psalmist suffers greatly but gives thanks because the Lord has heard his cry and saved him.

James, in the Second Reading, underlines the practical consequences of our faith: the loving response the faithful follower must give.

In the Gospel, Jesus questions his disciples about what people are saying of him. When Peter declares that he is the Christ, Jesus reveals the suffering ahead of him and also, that we his disciples, are to follow the same path.

In our prayer this week, perhaps we can be conscious that we are disciples of Jesus, living out our lives in his name.