Who Am I?

Just when I was having some difficulty finding the time and the topic to devote to my blog, the weekend came along with a question that turned out to be a good one for reflection.  Over the past few days, I have experienced the following: a new teacher orientation, the wedding of a long-time friend, an evening movie, and today's gospel.  All of these experiences reflect the question "Who am I?"

At my new teacher orientation, I learned a little bit about the teaching mission of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart.  This mission revolves around educating students "beyond methodology" which challenges teachers to always strive to educate students both in and out of the classroom spiritually, academically, socially, etc.  This orientation made me realize that to be a good teacher I must confidently know who I am before I can expect to challenge young men to answer "Who am I?" for themselves.

At the wedding on Friday, I watched my very good friend marry her husband.  The celebration of their marriage reminded me that in order for people to unite with each other in this way, they must know who they are as individuals first.  Once they did this, then their "Who am I?" becomes a more inspiring and encouraging "Who are we?"  I know they will continue to define their identity as a couple for many years to come.

Last night, as I relaxed at home, I put on Les Miserables, which you may remember is a wonderful story of redemption and forgiveness.  One of the songs in the musical is called "Who am I".  In this song, the main character, Jean Valjean, must embrace his true identity as a forgiven sinner before he can honestly move forward with his life to be who God created him to be: a beloved son.

While this "Who am I?" question was on my mind this morning, the gospel from this Sunday's mass from Luke 9:18-24 really brought light to this question for me.  In the gospel, Jesus asks the disciples who people say that he is and then asks Peter who Peter says Jesus is.  This taught me that sometimes the way people see me might not be the way that I see me and vice versa.  However, if I am honest with myself about my earnestness to reflect the beliefs I have in God, I believe others will see that in me (even though I will continue to struggle with that as we all do).

Next time God asks us who we think God is, how are we going to respond?  Will we talk the talk about God by using great adjectives like the disciples or will we walk the walk by claiming our relationship with God as Peter did?  I know that if we commit ourselves to getting to know God, then as a result we will know "who we are" that much more.

May we be ever-faithful, ever-mindful, and ever-joyful.