Thinking as God Does

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: September 03, 2023

Readings: Jeremiah 20:7–9; Psalm 63:2–6, 8–9; Romans 12:1–2; Matthew 16:21–27

   To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/4brVHye4m74?si=JWnRltkJY1KHoJWP

Doubts and fear seem to be part of our lives. Both doubt and fear go together. Even though, we may believe in the ability of others, still when the actual moment of doing about to take place doubt and fear set in. If someone has low self-esteem or low self-image, many others have low opinions, wrong and ill perceptions of others. Both are not good in themselves as they can destroy oneself and others. Therefore the reality check is essential. The liturgical readings for this 22nd Sunday in ordinary time tell us that both Prophet Jeremiah and Apostle Peter are full of fear and wrong perceptions of themselves and others. Both of them don't believe in the abilities and strengths of Yahweh and Jesus. The scripture admonishes that such fear, doubt, and wrong perception of oneself and others are nothing but traits of Satan. 

1. Following Jesus and getting behind Satan

We have a fascinating Gospel passage Matthew 16:21-27, presenting us a profound lesson on discipleship and the Christian journey. Jesus reveals to His disciples the impending suffering, rejection, and death that awaits Him in Jerusalem. When Jesus begins to speak about this revelation the disciples may have stunned and bewildered. Because they were following Jesus with great expectations of a victorious Messiah. The perception of the disciples of Jesus was indeed faulty. They never realized who exactly Jesus was. Healing and miracles that Jesus performed gave them a different picture of Jesus.  

Peter, ever impulsive and well-intentioned, takes Jesus aside and rebukes Him, saying, "God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you." Perhaps Peter being a senior man must have compelled him to sympathize with Jesus. Peter, like many of us, may have envisioned a different path for Jesus, one of triumph and earthly glory. Yet, Jesus responds firmly, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things." This exchange reminds us of the tension between our human desires and God's divine plan. We often want life to be free from suffering, challenges, and difficulties. We may even question God's plan when faced with adversity, as Peter did. However, Jesus teaches us a vital lesson: the way of the cross is integral to our faith.

2. Taking up our Cross and following Jesus wholeheartedly

The powerful words of Jesus "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me" are certainly challenging. Jesus invites us to embrace the cross in our lives, just as Jesus willingly accepted his own. Taking up our cross doesn't mean seeking out suffering or hardship, but rather, it means embracing the challenges that come our way with faith and surrender. Surrendering to God's will means trusting that even in our darkest moments, God is with us, working for our good and His glory. It means accepting that our plans may not always align with His, but His plan is ultimately for our benefit and well-being. When we take up our crosses and follow Jesus, we allow His grace to transform us, making us more compassionate, patient, and loving.

It's important to note that Jesus doesn't sugarcoat the reality of discipleship. He doesn't promise an easy, pain-free journey to His followers. Instead, He challenges them to count the cost and be willing to bear their crosses. We may wonder, "What is my cross? How can I bear it?" Our crosses can take various forms—physical or emotional pain, personal struggles, relationships strained, or the demands of living a faithful life in a secular world. But it's crucial to remember that the cross is not just a symbol of suffering; it's also a symbol of redemption and transformation. In fact, Jesus invites us to surrender our own plans and desires to His divine will. It is Jesus who will walk with us, strengthen us, and bring purpose to our suffering.

As we reflect on these words of Jesus, let us take a moment to consider the crosses we bear and the challenges we face. Let us not be discouraged but rather encouraged by the promise of transformation and the hope of eternal life. May we, like the disciples, be willing to follow Jesus, even when the path seems difficult, trusting that He is the way, the truth, and the life.

Questions for self-reflection: 

1. How do I react when faced with challenges, suffering, or difficulties in my life? Do I tend to resist them, or am I willing to embrace them as opportunities for growth and transformation?
2. What does it mean to me personally to "take up my cross and follow Jesus"? How can I apply this concept to my daily life and struggles?
3. How can I actively live out the call to discipleship in my daily life, especially when faced with the challenges and distractions of the world?
4. What steps can I take to deepen my commitment to following Jesus and embracing the path of discipleship, even when it involves carrying the cross?

Prayer based on Psalm 63

Heavenly Father, In the depths of our souls, we thirst for You, just as Psalm 63:2 proclaims: "My soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you." As we come before Your presence, we echo the words of David "Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So, I will bless you as long as I live; in your name, I will lift up my hands."

In the quiet moments of our hearts, we seek Your face meditating on you in the watches of the night. Guide us, Lord, to dwell in the shelter of Your wings, finding refuge and comfort in Your loving embrace. "For you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings, I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me."  Grant us the grace to continually seek You, to praise You with joyful lips, and to rest securely in Your presence, for in You, we find our true satisfaction and purpose. We offer this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

Septemeber 1, 2023