3 September. 2023 | 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

 Gospel - Matthew 16: 21-27

 

Get this set of homilies by Fr John D'Mello 

Gospel Text:

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."

Reflections:

The gospel sets the scene of Jesus’ revelation of his impending suffering, which was contrary to the expectation of the disciples. He corrects Peter's lack of comprehension and his wish for Jesus to escape pain and death. Jesus emphasises the significance of wholehearted commitment to him, even if it necessitates self-sacrifice and the readiness to put up with difficulties for the sake of the Gospel. We are invited to accept God's plan for our lives, to offer our lives to Jesus even if it contradicts human expectations or desires. Let us deepen our understanding and commitment to the teachings of Jesus, allowing them to shape and guide our lives. 

Activity:

 Embrace the hardships that cross your path, holding the belief that they are part of God's intended plan and purpose.