Those of us who were born in most “Western”
countries have never experienced suffering, rejection, persecution or the
threat of death for our faith. And most
of us have never experienced exile or occupation, repressive governments and
despotic leaders. So it might be difficult for us to grasp the full
impact that Jesus’ announcement in today’s gospel from Mark 8:27-35 had on
his disciples. In this reading Peter makes his astounding
profession of faith. He declares his
belief that Jesus is the Christ, the Anointed One, the Messiah. This is the apex of Mark’s gospel. But then Jesus tells the disciples not to
tell anyone. Why?
Although Peter initially got it right, within
about five minutes he got it wrong.
Peter, the other disciples and the Jewish people of that time believed
that the Messiah was to be a superhero.
He would gather a great army to destroy the wicked gentiles, restore
Jerusalem to its glory, make Palestine the center of the world and then
establish a time of peace and prosperity.
There was no room for suffering, rejection and death in the Messianic
Kingdom. For Peter and the other disciples this concept
was incomprehensible. The way of the
Cross could not be the way of the Messiah.
But as we know now it was and it is.
The disciples were not ready to accept the reality of following Jesus
the Christ. And if they weren’t, neither
was the rest of the world. It was only after the Crucifixion and
Resurrection that they could grasp the truth.
What about us? We live in the safety and
security of Peachtree City. We are not
persecuted. We can believe whatever we want.
We can disagree with politicians.
We are free to come and go as we please. Can we comprehend the message of Jesus in
Mark’s gospel? Are we prepared to deny
ourselves, take up our crosses and follow Jesus? Let’s
pray that we are not put to the test.
Many
Christians in our world are persecuted.
They are exiled. They suffer
rejection and are killed for their faith.
Christians in China, India, Iran, Iraq, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan,
Syria and Vietnam are persecuted every day.
They are confronted with the hard reality of the Way of the Cross and
yet they continue to follow Jesus knowing and accepting that they will suffer
as a result. These heroic Christians are
an inspiration to me. They are our
contemporary martyrs. If you want to
know more about our persecuted brothers and sisters I recommend that you
subscribe to dailynews@ucanews.com an independent Catholic newsletter that
covers Asia especially and other parts of the world. And, as you freely drive around Peachtree
City, please say a prayer for people who are persecuted for their faith, no
matter where they live.
Lord God, our hope and trust,
you have made us for happiness.
When we seek it in glorious dreams
of prosperity, success, and freedom from pain
help us to face the truth of real life.
Help us accept the uncertain darkness
of suffering and self-effacement
as the price to pay for light and joy.
Teach us the way of your Son Jesus Christ,
who died of his own free will,
so that we might live and be happy.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
you have made us for happiness.
When we seek it in glorious dreams
of prosperity, success, and freedom from pain
help us to face the truth of real life.
Help us accept the uncertain darkness
of suffering and self-effacement
as the price to pay for light and joy.
Teach us the way of your Son Jesus Christ,
who died of his own free will,
so that we might live and be happy.
We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
