Avoid Reasoning like the World.

_(Thursday 20^th February 2020. Read James 2:1-9, Psalm 34 and Mark 8:27-33)_

_“But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter, and said, ‘Get behind me, Satan! For you are not on the side of God, but of men.’” *(Mark 8:33)*_ 

Our Gospel passage today explains how Jesus established the Church as a separate entity from Judaism by making Peter the first Pope. To find out which of his disciples was most qualified for this office, Jesus asked them: “Who do you say that I am?”

Only Peter answered correctly: “You are the Christ.” In other words: “You are God in human flesh.” Jesus was so impressed by Peter’s response that He said: “It is not flesh and blood that has revealed this you.” (Cf. Matthew’s Gospel). Jesus then proceeded to tell the disciples about how He would suffer many things and even be killed but would rise again after three days.

However, this prediction of Jesus did not go down well with Peter: “No, this cannot happen, you shouldn’t suffer, you are meant to go from glory to glory, abundance flows in your steps, your portion is prosperity.” Peter, like many of us today was approaching the Gospel from a purely materialistic and worldly perspective.

Jesus called Peter “Satan” for attempting to dissuade Him from the path of suffering saying “you are not on the side of God but of men.” Do you sometimes wonder how Jesus feels when we begin to reject suffering and pain on the basis of our Christian identity?

Another way we make the mistake of Peter is when we worship the rich and treat the poor with disdain. By turning money into a god, we become blind at the evils many do just to become rich. St. James says: “are they (the rich) not the ones who drag you to court? Are they not the same persons who blaspheme the name of Christ?”

In our society today, once a person is rich, he is highly respected, he gets awards, honorary university degrees, political party nominations, chieftaincy titles and even special positions in the church. Even when the rich man comes late to church, he is ushered in while others remain standing. Once he makes a donation in the church, he gets up to leave before the mass (or service) is over so that it is obvious he did not come to worship God but to make a show.

I am very guilty of this. We priests (pastors) who are eager for funds to build churches have been accused of giving the impression that God belongs to the highest bidder. We treat the poor so badly that they begin to think they are the worst sinners on earth. Shamefully, I admit that no amount of money should make us fall into this great evil. God is the chief builder, He owns all the money in the world and He knows how to get money when He wants His church built.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, in my desire to build for you, save me from becoming worldly minded, save me from the worship of riches. Make me realize that suffering is part of life. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. It is well with you. (Thursday of the 6th week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: James 2:1-9, Psalm 34 and Mark 8:27-33).