Gospel Reflection - 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
Matthew 16:21-27
In last week’s Gospel, we heard Jesus blessing Simon for his recognition of Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. He was given the name Peter, which translates as “Rock”, the one on which the Church on earth would be built. This Rock crushed the “Scissors” - those naysayers who denied Christ’s identity or mistook Him for someone else.
This week, that “Rock” has been covered & smothered by “Paper” in Jesus’ rebuke. After all that he has witnessed, after his proclamation of who Jesus is, Peter denied that Jesus would endure a great sacrifice for His people. Jesus even went so far as to call him Satan & an obstacle to His plan of salvation. “You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”
We all should live in a way that exemplifies our path to salvation. We must not follow earthly idols, forfeiting our lives to gain the world. Our eyes should be focused on the eternal reward which Jesus has won for us. Yes, He was killed by the “Scissors” who crucified Him, but in His Resurrection, “Paper” ultimately triumphs in the end!
What would our world look like if we all thought as God instead of as humans?
What earthly idols are you currently following? Choose one this week to overcome.
Rock - Paper - Scissors
In last week’s Gospel, we heard Jesus blessing Simon for his recognition of Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. He was given the name Peter, which translates as “Rock”, the one on which the Church on earth would be built. This Rock crushed the “Scissors” - those naysayers who denied Christ’s identity or mistook Him for someone else.
This week, that “Rock” has been covered & smothered by “Paper” in Jesus’ rebuke. After all that he has witnessed, after his proclamation of who Jesus is, Peter denied that Jesus would endure a great sacrifice for His people. Jesus even went so far as to call him Satan & an obstacle to His plan of salvation. “You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”
We all should live in a way that exemplifies our path to salvation. We must not follow earthly idols, forfeiting our lives to gain the world. Our eyes should be focused on the eternal reward which Jesus has won for us. Yes, He was killed by the “Scissors” who crucified Him, but in His Resurrection, “Paper” ultimately triumphs in the end!
What would our world look like if we all thought as God instead of as humans?
What earthly idols are you currently following? Choose one this week to overcome.
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