Learning How to Become a Rock

Mike O’Donnell

Today’s reflection is from Mike O’Donnell, a member of Dignity/Washington and a theology teacher.

Today’s liturgical readings for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul can be found by clicking here.

When Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” he was inviting them to reflect on the public perception of his identity. The disciples responded with what must have been the common rumors floating around: “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” In other words, people were trying to categorize Jesus, to fit him into familiar narratives, to make sense of him by attaching known labels.

But then Jesus shifted the focus: “But who do you say that I am?” It was no longer about what others were saying. Now it was personal. “You’ve walked with me, shared meals with me, witnessed the miracles—who do you say that I am?”

It’s Simon Peter who speaks up, stepping past the noise of speculation and hearsay to name the truth: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

This moment has always been a powerful one in Scripture, but as I sat with it recently, I couldn’t help but see a parallel with the experience of the LGBTQ+ community. Like Jesus, we too are constantly navigating two questions of identity: Who do people say we are and who are we really?

We already know what many people say. Society, and unfortunately even our churches and families at times, have tried to define us with harmful labels. We’ve been called “confused,” “disordered,” even “intrinsically evil.” These words are deeply wounding. And when repeated over and over, they don’t just stay on the outside. They take root in the soul, becoming internalized until they’re hard to shake.

Some of us have struggled to believe that we are worthy of love—not just human love, but divine love. Others have spent years trying to reconcile their faith with who they know themselves to be. We’ve prayed for clarity, for healing, for the ability to be accepted.

And so I return to Jesus’ question—not just to the disciples, but to us: “Who do you say that you are?” And more importantly, “Who does God say that you are?”

My hope and prayer is that every LGBTQ+ person has a Simon Peter in their life—someone who can rise above the cultural noise and speak the truth about who they are. Someone who doesn’t rely on old prejudices or tired doctrines, but who sees you with the eyes of love and spiritual insight.

But if you don’t have that Simon Peter right now—if no one has spoken that truth to you lately—let this be it:

• Confused? Maybe your journey has been confusing at times. Maybe you’ve wrestled with your identity and faith. But don’t be confused. You are beautifully and wonderfully made, created in the image and likeness of God.
• Disordered? I see no disorder. I see someone striving toward wholeness, truth, and love—someone deeply ordered toward relationship, community, and yes, even toward God.
• Intrinsically evil? Absolutely not. You carry within you an intrinsic goodness that no one can take away. You are a beloved child of God.

When Peter made his declaration, Jesus responded with profound affirmation. He blessed Peter and said, “This was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.” In other words, that kind of truth—the kind that cuts through fear, confusion, and prejudice—comes not from human opinion, but from divine revelation.

Jesus then called Peter a rock and promised that the gates of hell will not prevail.

We need to be that kind of rock. Because there are still voices that claim to speak for God while spreading condemnation. They may speak in the name of religion, but we must not let those voices drown out the truth. We must stand firm, grounded in dignity, knowing that we are loved, called, and blessed.

To those who feel pushed aside by the church or disowned by loved ones—know this: the voice of Jesus still speaks today. The truth of who you are is not found in the labels others assign, but in the love that God has already poured into you. So when the world feels heavy with rejection or hatred, remember this promise: You are the rock. And the gates of hell shall not prevail against you.

–Mike O’Donnell, June 29, 2025