Image from agnusday.org
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.And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, ‘God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.’ But he turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’ Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? ‘For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done. Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.’ (Matthew 16:21-28)
"From hero to zero in just five words" say our friends the sheep in the Christian strip Agnusday.org (above). You will remember that last week's gospel lesson had Jesus calling Peter the "rock" on whom He would build His church. Today's lesson shows Peter being called Satan for his remarks against Jesus' suffering and death. I wish I could say that wasn't my story as well, but it isn't. One day I'm a "hero" in the faith and the next I may be as far from Jesus as I never want to be. The reality of Jesus' future troubled Peter, who thought he could defend Jesus and prevent any harm from coming to Him; but Jesus tells him to set his mind on the divine. The rest of the teaching is Jesus telling all who would want to serve Jesus to realize the difficulties and challenges that may come; the Message Version says, in today's title; "Don't run from suffering, embrace it. Follow me and I will show you how." If we count the cost, it is better to lose our lives for the sake of God, than to save them for the sake of the world; we lose everything. Our decisions have life and death implications when it comes to serving the Lord.
We have for this past weekend seen the suddenness with which can come loss. If you've seen the images of the coastal cities impacted by Hurricane Harvey you have seen that many have lost a lot, if not all. Some have lost their lives. Our prayers continue to be with all who are still being impacted, especially those in Houston and surrounding areas. As I write, rain continues nonstop on our roof and we are under flash flood warnings, but we trust the Lord. We embrace this chapter of our lives and we trust the Lord more.
PRAYER: Loving God, bless those we have mentioned who have lost a lot, if not everything in this storm. Comfort those who may have lost loved ones in the aftermath of the storm; be with those who rescue those who are in deep waters. We pray for Your will to be done, but bring blessings and protection to all. We pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord. Be safe and help those around you to stay safe.
Eradio Valverde
