At the beginning of this academic year, the passage that we will hear in next Sunday’s Gospel has a particular emphasis for me.

Jesus gathers his disciples and asks them an important question “Who do people say that I am?”  As we know, they offer a variety of responses: “some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, others one of the prophets.”  But then, having discerned what the “word on the street” is, Jesus asks them the key question “And who do you say that I am?”  This gives the disciples pause.  As easy as it might be to repeat what they hear, now they must take responsibility for their own sense of who Jesus is.  Peter, then, stands forward and affirms his position with a forceful simplicity “You are the Christ.”  Whatever others are saying, the disciples must ultimately take responsibility for their own belief.  That reality rings true for all of us.

I find this dynamic particularly compelling as we welcome new students to St. John’s University.

Two weeks ago, our beautiful campus did not reflect much activity.  Now, it bursts with the students hustling from one place to another or lying on the lawn or playing some sport or wandering about trying to find a classroom.  I rejoice in the energetic new life that abounds.  I also feel the responsibility that this situation places upon those of us who work at the University.  These young people have come here to learn.  What they learn is not simply a function of what they hear but of what is taught and of how it is taught.  The instruction takes place not only in the classroom but in the witness of the St. John’s community, in the ambience of the University campus, and in the moments found for reflection and serious conversation.

The question that Jesus asks of his disciples is one that we would hope that our students would hear in some form appropriate to their traditions “Who do people say that I am?”  The matter for that response can again arise from various sources including their studies, their service opportunities, and in the celebrations of St. Thomas More Church.  As for the apostles, we would love for our students to be able to express what they have heard and learned about Jesus from various sources, but it cannot stop there.  The second (and more important) question must be asked “Who do you say that I am?”  The answer that comes forth for this query is part of a life-long process, but we can hope that it receives strength and direction from the time that they spend on our campus.  And from the effort that the university community expends.

In my role as a Vincentian, I feel the obligation and privilege to help our students explore and respond to this question in some fashion.  Telling them what I believe is important but is only a first step.  What gets said must be offered in a form that can be heard.  What has been heard requires the cultivation of a desire to accept and express.  The journey towards answering the question that Jesus puts forth to his followers in the Gospel points to an important step in the lives of young people.  It continues to be a fundamental one for all of us.  “Who do you say that I am?”