This weekend we again see Peter play a prominent role in our gospel reading. We heard Jesus proclaim Peter to be the rock upon which he would build his church last weekend, and now, Jesus rebukes Peter with the words, “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.” What did Peter do that caused Jesus to rebuke him? Peter tempted Jesus to take the easy route, to avoid the pain, suffering, and death that the cross would bring.
In many ways, Peter represents you and me as we journey in faith. Sometimes we get it right and other times we miss the mark. Peter is not alone, most of us struggle to understand what God is asking of us. Peter longed for Jesus to be the glorious messiah who would crush the enemy and struggled to understand his willingness to embrace the cross. Similarly, in our first reading we hear Jeremiah cry out, “You duped me O Lord, and I let myself be duped…. All the day I am an object of laughter; everyone mocks me.”
It is not always easy to live our faith in a world that values money, power, and comfort, often at the expense of others. It is not easy to stay focused when conflicting messages swirl around us, tempting us take the easy route, to cut corners, to doubt, or to look the other way. It is not always easy to feel God’s presence when things are not going right, when we face challenges, or feel alone. Jesus invites us to embrace our cross, to remain faithful no matter where we find ourselves.
As we ponder what God is asking of us, let us remember that in his resurrection, Jesus still bore the wounds of the cross on his hands and feet. Those wounds become symbols of his love for you and for me. This week, I encourage you to meditate upon what God is asking of you. What cross you are asked to carry today? Ask God to give you the strength and the grace to live your faith in thought, word, and deed as we together journey in faith.
May God bless you and your loved ones today, tomorrow, and forevermore.