Lk 9:18-22
18Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” 19They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’ ” 20Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Messiah of God.” 21He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone.
22He said, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.”
Reflection:
He rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone. Peter apparently gives the correct answer to Jesus’ question on who he is. But Jesus imposes a “divine silence,” directing the disciples not to tell anyone about this. What is this all about? Jesus asks their opinion, then silences them.
Scripture scholars offer varied explanations. I sometimes think that the best way to spread a rumor is to tell people not to tell anyone else. I assured a friend once, “There are only two people who know your secret: the market vendors and the whole diocese! Ha, ha, ha!”
The apostles are not sure and united about their answer. They will easily sow confusion. Jesus prefers that we discover and experience him personally. He asks us not to tell anyone until we are sure as to who he is in our life.
Observe a “divine silence” at home after dinner this weekend. (No more talking after the meal.)