Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: September 3, 2023

Date in the Ordine: 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: Matthew 16:21-27

Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised. Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him, "God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you." He turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do." Then Jesus said to his disciples, "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 will find it. What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? Or what can one give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father's glory, and then he will repay all according to his conduct."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today comes from the Gospel of Matthew and recounts Jesus’ first passion prediction to his disciples. Peter, alarmed by Jesus’ words, responded with denial that any such thing should happen. Jesus corrects Peter with language often judged harsh because it seems to us to be a human reaction to another’s suffering. Something else must be going on.

To better understand it, we must take it within its context. Recall that last Sunday’s gospel reading, which immediately precedes this, is of Peter declaring that Jesus is “the Messiah, the Son of the living God” to which Jesus responds “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it.” Then in the next incident, Peter’s word reveal that he is still vulnerable to the temptations of the great adversary, Satan. Jesus understands Satan’s intent as well as strength, for He himself had to contend with Satan’s temptations when He was preparing for His mission on earth in his 40 day desert retreat. Jesus is telling Peter, metaphorically, that he is trying to lead Jesus rather than follow Him.

Then Jesus tells Peter and all the disciples that if one truly wishes to be His disciple it will require self-denial, personal suffering, and following in Jesus’ footsteps. Surrendering to Christ gains our life in abundance in Him, with Him, and through Him.

How does this pertain to us today?

We, too, like Peter, at times may wonder why it had to be this way. And when we do, we are guilty of thinking as humans rather than as the LORD. Jesus’ antidote for such “worldly” thinking is clear: deny self, take up our own cross, and follow Christ.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I resist or even reject taking up my own cross? Do I try to rationalize rejecting it? Am I capable of denying myself so as to proclaim Christ?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your only begotten Son to dwell among us as our brother, our teacher, our savior. Because of your great love for us and your desire for our salvation, You sent your beloved Son to reveal You to us anew, to call us to right relationship with You, and to save us when we were unable to save ourselves from sin. Send your Spirit to kindle in us the fire of your love and to make us receptive to your loving will for us. Help us to grow into the daughters and sons You created us to be and the disciples Christ calls us to be. Strengthen our faith and resolve to live as we are called to live. Give us the wisdom that allows us to deny ourselves and seek instead life in abundance with You. May we be fortified so that we might pick up our own crosses and follow your beloved Son. We ask this in the name of your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.