22ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR A

Jeremiah 20:7-9

Romans 12:1-2

Matthew 16:21-27

TO FOLLOW JESUS CHRIST...

We often think that to accept Christ automatically makes life easy. That is why many of our contemporaries are attracted to the “prosperity gospel.” Thus, today’s readings remind us that being a Christian or to serve God is not a life free of sufferings, challenges and problems. Becoming a disciple of Christ means embracing the way of the cross and following Jesus each day, as Jesus himself tells us in today’s gospel (Matt. 16:21-27).

The gospel episode follows Peter’s confession of faith that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God (last Sunday). Now Jesus announces his suffering, death and resurrection to his disciples. Peter, not expecting the Messiah-Liberator to make such comments, rebukes him. But Jesus makes it clear to his followers that to journey with him involves self-renunciation, carrying one’s cross daily and following him. Indeed, sometimes, we behave like Peter. But we must know that anyone who wishes to serve God must be prepared for trials, persecutions and challenges.

In the first reading, the prophet Jeremiah expressed his anguish and suffering because of the Word of God. The more he tried not to speak in the name of God because of the persecution and hostility he met, the more he felt an inner urge to speak (Jer. 20:7-9). In the second reading, St Paul urges the Romans to offer themselves as a living sacrifice to God. He also exhorts them saying: “Do not conform yourselves to this age, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good, pleasing and perfect” (Rom. 12:1-2).

Of course, any sacrifice involves the destruction or the letting go of something, usually very important and dear to the one who makes the sacrifice. Thus, to offer ourselves as sacrifice means letting go the behaviours and attitudes that we cherish so much but are not compatible with the Gospel, and then follow the Lord who is leading the way. In fact, he never promised that the journey would be easy; but what he did promise is his unfailing presence even in difficult times. Hence, we need to keep going despite everything. For his mercy and grace are greater than our weaknesses and problems.

May he help us never to lose courage but to follow him in spite of our challenges. Amen