THROUGH UNTRUE

Our world is vibrant with colors during the day, yet according to neuroscientists, the world is inherently colorless. Our perception of color is caused by specialized cells in our eyes' retina that are sensitive to three different wavelengths of light. These cells send intricate signals to the brain that processes them to yield what we identify as "color." Thus, the rich spectrum of a rainbow can be considered a mere optical illusion.

A similar phenomenon unfolds when we look at our reflection in a mirror. The image we observe is caused by signals relayed by our optic nerves to the brain. The brain reconstructs or deconstructs these in a most complex manner. So, it can happen that what we see in the mirror is not our real "self" but a complete fabrication of our mind.  

These findings from neuroscientists offer comfort to those who excessively agonize over how others perceive them. Nonetheless, we cannot completely disregard people's opinions since we are inherently social beings. Favorable perceptions from others can help us form a more robust sense of self-worth, provided we differentiate between heartfelt compliments and superficial flattery. Conversely, adverse viewpoints or critiques may corrode our self-esteem, but these can make us aware of our personality defects that we ignore, evade, or deny.

In the Gospel reading for today, Jesus seems to worry about how people perceive Him. He inquires of His disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?" (Matthew 16:14). The disciples swiftly respond: "Some suggest you are John the Baptist, others liken you to Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets" (Matthew 16:15).

Jesus then narrows His query: "But who do you say that I am?" (Matthew 16:15). Peter, as usual, eagerly answers, "You are the Christ, the son of the living God" (Matthew 16:16). Jesus commends Peter and even designates him as a leader of the Church. However, in subsequent passages, Peter demonstrates an incomplete understanding of his answer to Jesus's question.

Peter is fixated on the majestic identity of Jesus, yet he fails to grasp the significance of suffering in fulfilling His mission. So Jesus strongly rebukes him, saying, "Get behind me, Satan: you do not think like God, but rather like men" (Matthew 16:22-23). As Peter will come to understand later, Jesus is not merely a figure of grandeur and might, but also the embodiment of shame, suffering, and vulnerability. Instead of ascending to a throne, Jesus is destined for crucifixion upon the cross.

Much like Peter, we may claim to possess a deep understanding of God due to our familiarity with scripture, adherence to His commandments, our devout religious rituals, and our unwavering commitment to prayer. However, neuroscientists might contend that the image of God we hold in our minds could be a fabrication, molded by our tendency to project our desires and wants onto God.

Jesus asks the questions, "Who do people say I am?" and "Who do you say I am?" not because He is worried by people's perception of Him. He poses those questions because He wants to teach his disciples the intimate connection between true love and authenticity.  His vigorous self-assertion is meant to challenge the disciples' idea of Him because He wants to be loved for who He is. He does not want to be a mere fabrication of our mind.

Our ability to know God is limited; but our capacity to love is boundless. St. Thomas Aquinas eloquently penned, "We become what we love." If that were so, then it is by loving that we could replicate God's true image in us. In fact, it is by loving that we become like God.