People are judged constantly by their appearance. For instance, youth, beauty, wealth, clothing, education, importance, or the lack of these qualities creates an impression on people and unfortunately it often determines how that person is treated. We all know that it often seems as if there is one set of rules for the rich, powerful, and famous and another for ordinary folks. We may find ourselves unconsciously doing the same thing: deferring to one person and treating another in a dismissive manner. James will not tolerate any of this: we are commanded to love our neighbour as ourselves regardless of who they are or what sort of impression they make. God does not play favourites and neither should we. Let us strive to see the image of God within each person we meet.

Who do you say that I am? Each one of us has to answer that from the depth of our own heart. Several of the disciples repeated what they had heard on the street. Only Peter listened to the voice within him and was able to make a confession of true faith. Even then Peter was unable to understand how the status of Messiah was connected with suffering. But just as Jesus had to take the road to the cross immediately after this story, so we must be willing to walk in his footsteps. We can't give someone else's answer or the official response - we must make it unique and personal.