Religious Education

Parish Bulletin

'Who do people say I am?'

Mark 8:27-35

The Many Faces of Jesus

Jesus poses a very provocative question in this week's Gospel asking His disciples who people think He is. The Biblical narrative and question is one that is still relevant even today in 2021. Who do we think Jesus is? The many faces of Jesus depicted in the imagery above gives us cause to ponder, reflect and dialogue.

Many of us would probably grapple with this question, particularly during this current climate and the lived experience and baggage we all very differently carry. Our response to Jesus' question is shaped by our attitude, opinions and life journey, thus it is a tremendous opportunity to dialogue with one another to share our understandings and beliefs.

The oral tradition and dialogue is a method of communication handed down from one generation to the next; that is no exception from the time of Jesus to now in this contemporary world. Dialogue is a method through which we learn to listen and converse with families, our peers, our colleagues and essentially our God.

The tools for dialogue are an important part of how we see and work with one another, and as educators, ultimately converse with the students we teach. The importance of student voice also promotes an understanding of who they see Jesus to be and how they see themselves in this world.

The Gospel also gives us the challenge to discuss how we traverse the way of the Cross and profess our faith and what we make of our lives. To dialogue about this gives us the opportunity to have our minds, ears and mouths open to possibility.

Grow in gratitude and empathy.

Michelle Hinds