Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“Who do people say that I am?”

 

Gospel Reading: Mark 8:27-33

Jesus and his disciples set out for the villages of Caesarea Philippi. Along the way he asked his disciples, "Who do people say that I am?" They said in reply, "John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets." And he asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter said to him in reply, "You are the Christ." Then he warned them not to tell anyone about him.  He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days. He spoke this openly. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. At this he turned around and, looking at his disciples, rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do."

 

Today’s Gospel reading 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 Jesus asks this question because he knows that we are heavily influenced by peer pressure. We are so concerned with what others think that we allow these pressures to form our own thoughts and opinions. The second question clearly challenges His disciples to see beyond what others think and for them to form their own opinion. 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. Peter does not yet have the advantage of the whole story yet.  He has not yet witnessed the crucifixion and resurrection.  Therefore, it had to be revealed to him through the grace of God. Do you see Jesus as just a wise man and a great profit or do you truly see him as our Lord and Messiah? In this passage Jesus tells His disciples about His journey on earth. He tells them, “the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days.” 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. Only Satan tempts 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. Satan wants us to listen to his message and not the message of Christ. In this case, we say no to Jesus, we don’t want to obey Him or, we convince ourselves that it is too difficult to obey. However, our Faith will give us the strength we need to follow Christ. We need to exercise that Faith so it will grow strong 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