Jesus was walking with His disciples towards the inhabited districts of Caesarea Philippi. On the way, He put a question to those who were accompanying Him. "Who do people say that I am?" In all simplicity the Apostles tell Him what people have been saying about Him. Some say He is John the Baptist; others say Elijah, and others again one of the prophets. There were differing opinions about Jesus.

In a frank and affectionate way He then asks His disciples: "But you, who do you say that I am?" He does not ask them for a more or less favourable opinion. He asks them for the firmness of faith. After they have spent so much time with Him, they must know who He is, unhesitatingly, with certainty. Peter immediately replies "You are the Christ."

Jesus has the right to ask also of us a clear confession of faith with words and deeds, in a world in which confusion, ignorance and error seem to be the normal thing. We are closely united to Jesus by Baptism and this bond grows stronger day by day. In this sacrament a deep, intimate union with christ was established. In it we received His Spirit and were raised to the dignity of the children of God. It is a communion of life much deeper than could possibly exist between any two human beings. This closeness to Jesus Christ should fill us with joy. We are a living part of the mystical Body of Christ Jesus: we share in everything that Christ does.