"He then began to teach them." With these words, Mark records a turning point in the life of Jesus' disciples. Jesus had already begun teaching the crowds who came to Him. Mark even records that the miracles which He worked were also a form of teaching. Now, however, Jesus begins in a special way to concentrate on the formation of His disciples. Up till now, they had probably been like the rest of the people, filled with amazement at his wisdom and knowledge.

Jesus asked them: "And you, who do you say that I am?" The question begins to separate them from the crowds and signifies that Jesus is now moving them from wonder and excitement to faith. His miracles and his words up till now were a prelude to something greater, namely that faith to accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour.

We, too, may encounter turning points in our lives. Most importantly, as Catholics our daily lives should be marked by turning points, moments of special grace. Time set aside for prayer and particularly daily Mass should be significant turning points in our day, moments of grace making all our activities holy and our lives pleasing to God.