Who do you say that I am?

by Fr. Jerome Cayetano  |  08/23/2026  |  The WORD in other words

Did Jesus undergo an identity crisis?

Apparently “Yes” by the fact that he asked this million-dollar question: “Who do the people say the Son of man is?” Many biblical scholars dubbed this as “the Galilean crisis”. It is noteworthy that Jesus asked this question when he and his disciples reached the region of Caesarea Philippi. A region named after two famous personalities of that time, Caesar Augustus, the emperor and Philip, one of the sons of Herod the great. Likewise, it is a Greco-Roman city with altars and statues of pagan deities, most especially the god “Pan”.

Amidst these beliefs, Jesus wants to ascertain and clarify his identity with his disciples. Moreover, Jesus desires to know if the people have known his identity and mission after performing many signs and miracles before them, not to mention, preaching the message of the Kingdom of God. According to the disciples, Jesus is like John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the prophets. The people consider Jesus to be a prophet. Certainly, Jesus is more than a prophet. That is why, he asked the same question to his Disciples: “Who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter was quick to reply when he said: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus positively replied to him: “Blessed are you Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.” In other words, Peter does not have a natural inclination that Jesus is the Son of God. This fundamental truth was revealed to him by the Father through the power of the Holy Spirit. His profession led to the two promises of Jesus to him. First, Jesus would build his Church upon the faith of Peter and he would give him the Keys of the Kingdom of heaven. Why did Jesus at the end of the Gospel strictly forbid his disciples not to reveal his identity because Jesus doesn’t want to be misconstrued as a “political” messiah.

There must be a deeper reason why Jesus posed this question about his identity at the region of Caesarea Philippi. He wants to tell his disciples that he is the Son of God. And that authority emanates from Him, not the people with authority like Caesar Augustus nor Philip, the son of Herod the great. After Jesus has ascertained his identity, it would also give him the direction on how he would fulfill his mission as the Son of God.

In response to Peter’s confession, Jesus says: “And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” It simply means that as long as Peter and his successors believe that Jesus is the Son of God, the Church will always prevail against the evil one. The church will stand like the rock because of Jesus, the Rock of salvation. Here, Jesus establishes the foundation of his Church, which is a community of believers built upon the rock of Peter’s faith and leadership. “I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of heaven. What ever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” “Keys” are instruments used to open and lock doors. In the New Testament, the key is used in a figurative sense to refer to the means of entry into the realms of spiritual destiny. Thus, Jesus confers the spiritual authority to open or close the gates of the Kingdom of heaven to Peter. The image of the “keys” is not about power or control but about service and stewardship. Peter and his successors have the responsibility to lead the people to Christ, assuring them in love and truth, and unbinding them from sin and error.

Finally, this gospel reminds us of the significance of the Church, which is a community of believes. Just as Jesus entrusts Peter with the keys, he also entrusts the church with a mission of continuing his work of salvation on earth. Thus, we must listen to the church and remain steadfast in our faith and be committed to the truth of Jesus Christ.

Incidentally today, we remember Fr. Camillo de Villa whose first death anniversary we anticipate today (August 24). Let us pray for his repose, that God in his mercy will grant him eternal peace in his Kingdom. You are all invited to join the 5:00pm Mass to be celebrated by Bishop Eduardo Nevares with some Filipino priests and Fr. Joshy Thomas.