Follow ME
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September 1, 2023This weekend’s Gospel is the continuation of Peter’s confession that Jesus is the “Messiah, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus explains what his mission means and the kind of discipleship that it entails. He predicts his suffering and death. His disciples, however, are still thinking in terms of a conquering Messiah, a warrior king, who would sweep the Romans from Palestine and lead Israel to power. So, Peter says, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.”
It is here that Jesus rebukes Peter sternly, “Get behind me, Satan,” in an attempt to nullify what is in fact a temptation of the evil one for him to shrink from doing the work for which he has come. The early Christian scholar and theologian Origen suggests that Jesus was saying to Peter: “Peter, your place is behind me, not in front of me. It is your job to follow me in the way I choose, not to try to lead me in the way you would like me to go.”
Jesus, then, declares three conditions for anyone would want to become his disciple: deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me. Denying oneself means evicting selfish thoughts, desires, and tendencies from our hearts and letting God fill our hearts with Himself. Carrying the cross with Jesus always entails pain and suffering. Our personal sufferings become the cross of Jesus when we suffer by serving others selflessly; when we give ourselves - our health, wealth, time and talents - to others; when we join our physical, mental or emotional sufferings to Jesus’ and offer them with him to the Father in reparation for our sins and those of the world; and when we work with the Spirit who purifies us through our personal sufferings or penitential practices. Finally, following Jesus means that we should live our lives according to the word of God especially the commandment of love.
Therefore, we are called to examine ourselves: Do I have enough faith to offer up a genuine sacrifice for the sake of Christ and his Kingdom? Am I willing to sacrifice my time, talents and treasures for the missionary activities of the Church?
Last weekend, I am beyond joyful that many of you responded generously to the call of Mission and Ministry. You supported Fr. Peter and his religious order’s mission to provide clean water to Ugandans. You also contributed to the Relief Fund for those who lost their homes, livelihoods, and loved ones due to the fire in Maui (some of them I personally know). You also supported our Ministry Fair and volunteered to offer your time and talents for the building up of our Church.
This weekend, the call of our discipleship is the stewardship of Gratitude and Giving. I invite you to embrace the vision we have outlined in the 2023 Parish Report. Your extra-generous offering of treasures to the DDF brings to full circle last week’s offering of time and talents. Most of all, it shows your commitment to continuing the works that we have already started so that others may also “taste and see that the Lord is good.”
