“Who do you say that I am?” – This is the question that Jesus presents to us in this Sunday’s gospel (Matthew 16:13-20). The disciples respond to this question with many popular opinions of that time. Some say that Jesus could be John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets. However, only Peter responds correctly: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Just over two weeks ago I returned from World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. It was an incredible opportunity that allowed for 1.5 million young Catholics from across the globe to gather, share their own particular cultures, and celebrate our common faith.

In particular, I was struck by the closing Mass with Pope Francis on Sunday, August 6th – where 1.5 million young Catholics gathered to celebrate the Eucharist in a large park along the Tagus River. Simply, I was in awe that all of these young people had gathered together, just as the Early Church did and as Christians have done every Sunday for 2,000 years, professing our faith in Jesus Christ through the celebration of the Eucharist.

Peter’s affirmation of faith – faith in Jesus as the Messiah – is the same faith that 1.5 million young Catholics witnessed to when they gathered with Pope Francis for World Youth Day 2023. This is the very same faith that we profess – gathering around the Lord’s table, knowing that Christ is fully present with us – affirming the words of Peter: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”