What do people say I am?

Gen. 9:1-13, Mk 8:27-33. The two great signs of the covenant between God and human race are the bow (rainbow) and Cross. Each of these signs span the universe and the covenant grants us an equal status, since in God there is no favouritism. The bow and the Cross symbolise God’s goodwill towards human family. Each has a vertical and a horizontal span that implies some measures of purification, while offering the promise of joy. The bow appears after the rain has cleansed the sky and it heralds bright sunlight. In today's first reading, the bow announces the end of the flood and the divine promise that such a flood will never again sweep the earth.

Despite its beauty, the bow will not let us forget the devastating force of the flood, which is now seen as a purifying reality, washing the human race clean of its wickedness. The same applies to the Cross as no one can look at the Cross, no matter how ornate it may be, without remembering the excruciating death of Jesus. Yet the Cross is lifted high in our Churches and is worn as an emblem of our victory over sin and despair, for resurrection is the pledge of our own future life. The Cross and bow are beautiful and demanding, hopeful and distressing, dark/grim and open/fragile, deeply personal and fully universal. In their light we can truly answer the question Jesus asks His disciples in today's Gospel, “Who do you say that l am?”

May the Lord open our mouths to proclaim the glory of God so that we can leave sin behind and rejoice in carrying our Cross! Amen!! Good morning and have a glorious day!!!