Luke's gospel is significant in showing Jesus praying before all the important moments in his public life. Today is no exception when we have Luke's version of Peter's confession. Jesus wants to know what people are saying about His real identity. Various names are suggested. He then asks His disciples what they believe. Peter, speaking in the name of all, says: "You are the Christ." 'Christ' means 'Anointed' and is the Greek version of Messiah. It also means that Jesus is a king, the King of Kings. It was a very special moment in Jesus' relationship with His disciples and would change their relationship with Him forever. But then comes something very unexpected - Jesus' prediction of what being a Messiah means - suffering, rejection by His own people's leaders, death but, in the end, rising to new life. We know from other gospels how much of a shock this was to the disciples. This was not the expected image of the Messiah, the Saviour King of Israel. How do we see the sufferings and disappointments that come into our lives? Can we see Jesus present in them? Are we ready to carry our crosses?