At the end of a week-long celebration of the feast of Booths, when the Jews remembered their ancestors' living in tents as they journeyed through the wilderness, prophet Haggai through a series of questions invited those assembled to reflect on their memories of the first temple before Babylon conquered Jerusalem. Then, speaking about the reconstructing the second temple, Haggai exhorts all present to not to fear. The Lord is present. His direct intervention will accomplish what no human effort could accomplish independently.

In the Gospel, through a series of questions, Jesus invites the disciples to answer the question that has been in the minds of the people and on their own minds since the beginning of his ministry. When Peter speaks up for the rest by saying: "The Christ of God", his disciples are instructed not to speak about his identity. Later, through his direct intervention, that is, his suffering, death and resurrection, Jesus accomplished what no human effort could have accomplished, the gift of salvation.

Like the Jews at the time of Haggai who were anxious about their future, and the disciples of Jesus, who were unsure about the true mission of Jesus, today we too struggle with our own anxieties about our future and doubts about our faith. At times like these, let us recall the words of the Lord: "I am with you... and my spirit remains among you. Do not be afraid!"