Sunday Readings: Jeremiah 20.7-9; Romans 12.1-2; Matthew 16.21-27
From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things” (Matthew 16.21-23).
His disciples accompany Jesus in his ministry of teaching, healing, and freeing people. Jesus asks, “Who do you says that I am?” Peter responds, “You are the messiah, the Son of the living God.” From that time on, Matthew’s narrative turns toward Jerusalem and the seeming contradiction that the messiah must suffer.
Many people in Jesus’ time expected a warrior messiah, who would restore Israel to independence and power. A messiah who suffers and dies contradicts this popular idea of the messiah’s might and mission. Peter, the rock on whose faith the Christian community builds, wrestles with the contradiction.
When Peter first hears Jesus describe suffering ahead for him, he responds to prevent it. Immediately and sharply, Jesus tells Peter to back off, referring to him as Satan and a stumbling block—strong language. The gospel calls us to reflect on how we take up our cross and give ourselves daily to one another in our lives.
In what ways has giving of yourself in your relationships helped you find your life?