Today’s gospel presents Jesus asking His disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter answers, “You are the Christ.” Jesus then explains the way of the Messiah in the context of our partnership in His mission. The Messiah’s way is one of sacrifice and suffering for others. Jesus says, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly, be rejected, and be killed, but rise after three days.” When Peter resists, Jesus rebukes him, teaching us not to hold back when hardships come.

You may have heard our Filipino Council of the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s call to partnership in Christ’s mission, and at times, we see ourselves becoming stumbling blocks, holding ourselves and others back from God. Jesus states clearly that true transformation comes not from winning but from embracing challenges and changing hearts. He came for us, to teach us to love according to His ways. God’s love is selfless and giving. He loves without taking, forgives, cares, and serves. This is the love that brings satisfaction, peace, and joy. Loving like God, we must give ourselves fully without counting the cost. To be a Christian means to love and serve as God and Jesus do. By sharing others’ burdens, we lighten our own.

Brothers and sisters, as Jesus’ mission partners to strengthen a mission-driven Filipino ministry, let us embrace a new heart for Christ by loving selflessly, serving others, and sharing in the burdens of those around us. This is the way of the Messiah, the true path to transformation, and the essence of partnership with Jesus.