24th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Today, Jesus asks his apostles: “Who do people say that I am?”
The answers that came back attested to the fact that Jesus was well-respected. People felt God sent him but weren’t convinced he was the Messiah.
During the interchange, Peter chimed in with a clear and robust proclamation: “You are the Christ!” Jesus, impressed by Peter’s response, went on to reveal to the group what fate awaited the Christ. “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and rise in three days.”
Peter didn’t take this information very well. He pulled Jesus aside to reprimand him for saying such things. Jesus wouldn’t let Peter’s comment go unaddressed. He called the attention of everyone around him. He must have left the group in shock when he formally announced, “Whoever wishes to follow me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”
So, we observe this pivotal moment in Jesus’ life, the life of his disciples, and all who will come after them. Messianic times arrived with the appearance of Jesus, but it existed in a way that no one expected. It’s an ongoing radical invitation to every human being to commit themselves to a life of dedication to others. Jesus’ life will forever stand as an example of this new way of living.
It’s living the paschal mystery of personal death and resurrection. “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the gospel will save it.”
We can end this reflection by asking ourselves some very serious questions. How do I live a life focused on others, not myself? Do I recognize in my self-giving the spark of the Messianic time? Finally, what do I mean when I pray, “Thy Kingdom come?”
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you invited us to knock, seek, and find. I pray that you send your Spirit to accompany me as I search for you. Bless my journey with strength, courage, and perseverance. Nourish me with your word and the life-giving bread that is you.
