AUGUST 30, 2026
How quickly the tide changes! In the Gospel from last Sunday, Peter states “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God”. Jesus compliments Peter and states “for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father.” In today’s Gospel Jesus predicts his passion and death, and Peter states, “God forbid that such a thing should happen!” In response to that statement Jesus addresses Peter with these words “Get behind me Satan! You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.” Jesus accepts the fact that His passion and death are required to fulfill his mission. Peter is reluctant to accept that reality.
Jesus willingly accepted both the physical and emotional pain of His passion and crucifixion. He endured the harsh treatment of his executioners and the emotional pain of abandonment by his closest friends.
Human nature has an innate desire to avoid pain and suffering. However, pain and suffering are part of our human experience whether it be physical or emotional. We all have crosses to bear from time to time. Sometimes the crosses are of our own making by way of bad choices we made; at other times, they are thrust upon us by life’s circumstances. The physical crosses can be very apparent, the emotional ones not so much. Like Peter, we may be reluctant to accept the crosses that life may bring. However, the depth of our faith and our good Christian character are demonstrated when we willingly accept our own crosses and help others carry theirs.
