September 15, 2024 - 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
Today's Gospel begins with a profound question that Jesus poses to His disciples: “Who do people say that I am?” (Mark 8:27) They respond with answers that reflect popular opinions: John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the prophets. But then Jesus makes it personal, turning to His closest followers: “But who do you say that I am?” (Mark 8:29a) This question is not just for the disciples, but for each one of us. It is the most important question we will ever answer in our lives. How we answer it determines the way we live, how we follow Christ, and how we understand our relationship with God.
Peter answers correctly: “You are the Christ.” (Mark 8:29b) In this confession, Peter recognizes Jesus as the Messiah, the One sent by God to save His people. But Peter’s understanding of what it means to be the Messiah is still incomplete. He, like many, expected a triumphant and glorious leader who would conquer Israel’s enemies.
Jesus immediately challenges Peter’s perception. He begins to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer, be rejected, and killed, and on the third day rise again. Peter, unable to accept this reality, rebukes Jesus. But Jesus, in a powerful response, says, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.” (Mark 8:33) This is a pivotal moment. Jesus is showing Peter, and us, that discipleship is not about power, comfort, or success in worldly terms. It is about self-sacrifice, humility, and taking up our cross. Jesus then tells the crowd, “If anyone wants to become my follower, let them deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow me” (Mark 8:34). These words might be familiar to us, but they are no less radical. Jesus is not calling us to an easy life of faith, but to one that is deeply challenging. He is asking us to die to ourselves, to our selfish desires, our attachments to worldly things, and to embrace a life that is oriented toward others and toward God.
In the first reading from Isaiah, the prophet speaks of the suffering servant who does not rebel against suffering, but instead endures with trust in God. It points us to Christ, the suffering servant, who bore the weight of suffering and sin on our behalf. It also points to us. As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace suffering when it comes, trusting that God is with us and that through the cross comes resurrection.
In the second reading from James, we are reminded that our faith must be more than words; it must be lived out in action. That means caring for the poor, serving the needy, standing up for justice, and living lives of mercy and love. It means following Jesus even when it is difficult, even when it requires sacrifice. The world may tell us to pursue comfort, success, or security, but Jesus calls us to something deeper. He calls us to pick up our cross. Our crosses come in many forms. It could be a difficult relationship, a chronic illness, a struggle with sin, or the challenge of standing up for what is right. But whatever it is, we are called to trust that Jesus walks with us, that our suffering has meaning, and that it leads to resurrection and new life. When we take up our cross, we can be sure that God walks before us, with us, and will never abandon us.
As we leave here today, let us think about the question Jesus asks each one of us: “Who do you say that I am?” If we truly believe that Jesus is the Christ, let our lives reflect that belief. Let us be willing to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him, trusting that the way of the cross leads to the fullness of life in Christ. May the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints help us to live lives of faith, united in works of love and sacrifice.
God bless everyone always!!!
Fr. Stan
