9th August 2018 Thursday 18th Week of Ordinary Time - St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross

Reflection

Jeremiah 31:31-34, Matthew 16:13-23

“A Suffering Christ”

Peter, like many of the disciples, recognised that Jesus was not a mere rabbi or prophet, but He was the Christ, the long-awaited Messiah. Jesus praised Peter for speaking the truth, and was given the task to be the Rock on which the Church would be built. What a glorious moment for Peter! 

Yet, the very next instance, Peter fell from his pedestal when Jesus reproached him for being a stumbling block, an obstacle in his path. This was because Peter had taken Jesus aside and remonstrated with Him regarding His talk on suffering and death. Peter could not personally accept a suffering Messiah, a rejected Messiah. He wanted a glorious Saviour without the cross. Jesus, however, knew that He had to walk the path of passion and death first before His resurrection. Are we too afraid of suffering?

Can we love Jesus, the suffering Christ?

Question for reflection: 

In this time of silent prayer, what is Jesus’ invitation to me?