Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

I am trying something new. I have been asked by one of the recipients to include the Gospel reading with the meditation minute. I thought we would try it.

“But who do you say that I am?” Gospel Reading: Mark 8:27-33

27 And Jesus went on with his disciples, to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, "Who do men say that I am?" 28 And they told him, "John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others one of the prophets." 29 And he asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Christ." 30 And he charged them to tell no one about him. 31 And he began to teach them that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 And he said this plainly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. 33 But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter, and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are not on the side of God, but of men."

Today’s message presents two very challenging question we all must answer - Who do others say that I am and Who do you say that I am? I think that Christ asks this question because he knows that man is heavily influenced by peer pressure. We are concerned with what others think and this forms our thoughts and our opinions. The second question clearly challenges His disciples to see beyond what others think and for them to form their own opinion of Christ. When Jesus asked Peter these questions, He was challenging Peter’s faith. There is no way that Peter could have formed this conclusion on his own. It had to be revealed to him through the grace of God. Do you see Christ as just a wise man and a great profit or do you truly see him as our Lord and Messiah? In this passage Jesus also tells His disciples about His journey on earth. He tells them, “the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.” So what is He really trying to teach His disciples. First, do you really know who I am and secondly, are you truly willing to follow me. It is obvious that being a disciple of Christ is not going to be easy. The passage says the Peter “began to rebuke him.” In typical Peter style, Peter begins to protest Christ’s words. He was challenging Jesus probably telling him not to talk like that or you’ve got to be crazy if you think we’re going to let anything happen to you. Jesus responds to Peter’s outcry telling him, “Get behind me, Satan!” Jesus is telling Peter not to tempt Him, that His mission is a mission from God.

So many times we hear the word of God and yet we do not like what we hear. So many times we decide to listen to others and not to be led by the spirit which is alive in our own heart. Jesus came to save us from our sins. He gave us very simple commandments and he showed us the way to the cross. More importantly, He showed us a way to the resurrection. Unfortunately, society today tries to divert us from the path. Satan tempts us every day. He wants us to listen to his message and not the message of Christ. We respond to His word, by saying no, we don’t want to obey or it is too difficult to obey. It is our Faith which will give us the strength we need. We need to exercise that Faith so it will grow string to face the challenges which we will face. Today spend a few moments in silence and mediate on the question, ”Who do you say I am?” Listen to your heart. Let the answer guide you to the spiritual path which leads to his Eucharistic Table.

A Simple Prayer

Jesus, You are the Messiah who freed us from our sins.

You came to this earth to light the path and show us the way.

Help me to hear your words and see you wisdom.

May I find one true path that leads to eternal life.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon