＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊ 

Haggai 2:1-9

 On the twenty-first day

Of the seventh month of the second year of the reign of Darius, this word of Yahweh was sent through the prophet Haggai, “Give this message to Zerubbabel, the go­vernor of Judah, and to Joshua, the high priest, and to all the people:

The glory of the new temple

 Is there left among you one of those who saw this house long ago in the time of its glory? What do they think of what they see now? Is it not a very little thing? But I say to you, Zerubbabel, Joshua and my people: do not be discouraged. Begin to work, for I am with you, says Yahweh. Do not be afraid, for my spirit is in your midst.

 Thus says Yahweh of hosts, within a short while I will shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the continents. Then I will shake all the nations and bring in the treasures of the whole world. I will fill this House with glory, says Yahweh. 

I will have as much silver and gold as I wish. The renown of this Temple will be greater than before, and in this place I will give peace,” says Yah­weh of hosts.

 

Ps 43:1, 2, 3, 4

Hope in God; I will praise him, my savior and my God.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊  

Luke 9:18-22

 One day when Jesus was pray­ing alone, not far from his disciples, he asked them, “What do peo­ple say about me?”   And they answered, “Some say that you are John the Baptist; others say that you are Elijah, and still others that you are one of the former prophets risen from the dead.”

Again Jesus asked them,  “Who then do you say I am?” Peter answered, “The Messiah of God.”   Then Jesus spoke to them, giving them strict orders not to tell this to anyone.

 And he added, “The Son of Man must suffer many things. He will be rejected by the elders and chief priests and teachers of the Law, and put to death. Then after three days he will be raised to life.”

 

Gospel Reflection：

It is at this juncture that Jesus wants to know what people think of Him. He already toured a significant part of Israel. Many people heard Him speak. He also performed signs and wonders in front of many.

Now He has to know what people think about Him. The answers are not surprising. It is expected. But the answers are correct and wrong at the same time. For Jesus is truly a prophet, but He is more than a prophet at the same time.

He is He whom the prophets foretold in ancient time. And so Jesus turns to His disciples asking them who they think He is. This time, they did not disappoint. Peter on behalf of others say what they thought Jesus is.

It is because they have superior access to Him Closeness gives one more knowledge of the other person. And so, Jesus tells them another secret. The Messiah will suffer for His people.