Things to Ponder
I use this page to share messages of an inspirational nature, or simply something to ponder. It is my hope that you will always be inspired.
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Homily Reflections -Matthew 16:21-27 - 22nd Week in Ordinary Time
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Introduction: The Cost of Discipleship
Today’s Gospel continues the story that began in last week’s Gospel where Simon Peter was called the “rock” upon which Jesus would build his Church. And yet, in this weekend’s Gospel, Peter (as well as the other disciples) continues to show the limitations of his understanding of Jesus’ identity. Now that the disciples have acknowledged (in last week’s Gospel) that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah, Jesus confides in them the outcome of his ministry: he must suffer and die in Jerusalem to be raised on the third day. This is an unexpected turn of events for Peter and the other disciples!
Peter takes Jesus aside and rejects this prediction to Jesus’ face! In return, Jesus quickly and harshly rebukes him – even calling him “Satan.” In opposing this aspect of Jesus’ mission, Peter clearly shows that he is no longer speaking based on the revelation from God but as a human being with a far-limited perspective. Always the Rabbi and Divine Teacher, Jesus instructs all the disciples about the difficult path of discipleship. To be Christ’s disciples is to follow in his way of the cross. There is a cost!
Peter could not yet understand what it meant to call Jesus the Messiah. Messianic expectations were a common aspect of first-century Judaism. The common view was that the Messiah would be a political figure, a king that would free Israel from Roman rule. And since Peter and the disciples had been immersed in this Messianic teaching since their early youthful years, this unexpected news must have come as a total shock and rocked their religious worldview. (“Are you kidding, Lord?”)
In this Gospel, Jesus is beginning to teach his disciples that he would be the Messiah in a far different way. He would be more like the “suffering servant” described by the prophet Isaiah than a political liberator. Those who would be Jesus’ followers would also be called to be suffering servants and embrace the cross. Contemporary Scriptural commentaries have raised the intriguing question that perhaps this is what Peter feared the most – that he too would need to follow this Way. Are we also fearful that our following Jesus’ Way will - at times - entail a cost?
I would invite you to take time to read and ponder the words from the Gospel of Matthew 16:21-27.
What word or words caught your attention?
What in this passage comforted you?
What in this passage challenged you?
Identify a time when being a faithful Catholic cost you – led you to discomfort, sacrifice, perhaps even conflict or misunderstandings. How did you feel? How did you handle it?
Further Questions and Reflections:
Peter was expecting a Messiah that would carry out a different plan. We too have expectations of God and our own ideas about what we think God ought to be doing in our world. Like Peter, we may risk limiting our image of God by thinking only from our limited human perspective. But – God’s plan is always more than we can ever imagine! Identify a time when you either forgot or were reluctant to let God be God for you – and to trustingly lead you.
“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny oneself, take up the cross, and follow me.” Isn’t this the one passage we would love to delete? (smile)
What cross do I need to bear? How can I give of myself to help others bear their crosses?
Identify a consequence of following Jesus and his way of life.
Jesus was so single-minded. He knew very well what being close to the poor, the forgotten, and marginalized would mean. He knew the cost of bridging religious, racial, ethnic, economic barriers and preaching of a beloved community for all. Yet – he did not shy away from his mission! What is your mission right now? Are you laser-focused on it?
Deacon David
Deacon David Suley
St. Andrew Apostle Catholic Church
Silver Spring, Maryland
Published with Permission
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When You see No Way Forward, Pray to the God Who Makes a Way
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