Sunday, 15 September 2024. Readings: Isaiah 50:5-9, Ps. 116:1-6,8-9, James 2:14-18, Mark 8:27-35
“If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. Whoever would save his life will lose it; whoever loses his life for my sake and the Gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” (Mark 8:34-36)
We may have very good intentions to serve God, but as long as our theology is flawed, we may even hinder Christ or act as stumbling blocks against others on the path of salvation. In today’s liturgy, Peter was called Satan for his false theology.
St. James lambasts Christians who, due to their false theology, refuse to provide practical help to the poor and needy. Isaiah, prophesying about the Messiah, makes us understand that suffering is often a part of God’s ultimate plan for our good. Let us now examine our lessons for today in detail:
1. Always Examine Your Theology
Socrates said: “an unexamined life is not worth living.” If an unexamined life is not worth living, then an unexamined Christianity is not worth practising. Jesus taught us the importance of questioning our theology when he asked his disciples two vital questions in today’s Gospel passage: “Who do people say I am?” and “Who do you say I am?”
We must not only ask ourselves these questions but also answer them and ensure that our answers are correct! It is not enough to pray when others are praying or going to church because everybody is going to church. We should ask ourselves: “Who is Jesus for me?
Is He just a provider (of my needs) or one whom I should obey His words? Did He say I would never suffer for being His follower? Will He stop being God if my prayers are not answered or if I get to suffer?”
2. Our Theology Speaks for Itself
Just as the disciples provided false answers, many Christians today see Jesus as a Miracle Worker, a Bread Provider, a Security Man, a Charm, a Swear word, and so on. We see Jesus as something to be used rather than as God to be worshipped. Jesus, for many, is more of a service provider than a Father! And so, when our expectations are not met, we start looking for alternatives.
Still, on false theology, it is so easy for us to forget that this Jesus whom we pray to is present in our brothers and sisters who are poor, suffering, disadvantaged, and in need of our help. We think of Jesus as being up there, not knowing He is very much down here in our streets, in the remote and dirty villages.
In today’s Second reading, St. James says: “Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith.” A theology that is lacking in charity is false theology.
In last Sunday’s second reading, St. James spoke of the evil of discrimination in our Christian assemblies whereby the rich are given pride of place and the poor are tossed aside. A theology that defines poverty as a curse is a false theology.
Many today with ill-gotten wealth have used their riches to buy positions of reverence in the church for themselves. The fact that a person displays riches does not mean God has blessed them; they may have bowed to Satan in exchange for the fleeting glories of the world.
On the other hand, the fact that you are poor does not mean God has not blessed you. There is more to life than riches.
3. A Cross-less Theology is a false Theology
Jesus tells us today, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34). Whether we like it or not, Christianity involves self-denial, self-discipline, suffering, embracing lack; giving away one’s life for Christ’s sake.
As powerful as the cross, so powerful are those pains, insults, ridicule, and shame we must put up with for the sake of our Christian Faith. Do not despise your sufferings; do not reduce your cross; do not abandon the narrow path; do not try to be like everyone else; do not get tired of doing good even when your goodness seems unrewarded and unappreciated.
Jesus never told us to expect only bliss. He never promised us a life of milk and honey on this earth. Jesus said: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.” (Matthew 5:10-12).
In another passage, Jesus said: “Whoever of you does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:33). Peter had a cross-less theology like many Christians today. This theology says “God forbid” suffering. It desires glory but rejects self-discipline. It prefers the wide road of comfort and pleasure, but Jesus says, “Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, which leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13-14)
4. God Writes Straight on Crooked Lines
Have you ever had a very painful experience that eventually changed your entire life to the extent that you found yourself thanking God for letting you experience that painful situation in the first place? Dear friends, we serve a God who can bring out the best from the worst. St. Paul assures us that “all things” (including our tears and pains) “work together for good for those who love God” (Romans 8:28).
St. Augustine added: “Since God is the highest good, he would not allow any evil to exist in his works unless his omnipotence and goodness were such as to bring good even out of evil.” The book of Hebrews puts it thus: “For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons.” (Hebrews 12:5-7)
Remember Joseph of the Old Testament, when eventually he reunited with his brothers, they were so scared Joseph would repay them for the evil they meted out on him, but Joseph said: “As for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” (Genesis 50:20-21). When we read in Jeremiah 29:11 that God has plans for us, we must bear in mind that part of that plan is that, at some point, we will undergo some amount of suffering.
In today’s first reading, Isaiah prophesies the coming Messiah, saying, “I turned not backwards. I gave my back to the smiters and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I hid not my face from shame and spitting… I have set my face like a flint, knowing I shall not be put to shame.” (Isaiah 50:5-7).
This was exactly the mindset of Jesus Christ when he rebuked Peter in today’s Gospel passage. Jesus knew that no matter what He had to face, He would never be put to shame. This should be your mindset, too. Are you currently suffering? Do not think God has failed. Hold on, remain steadfast. Don’t give up on God. One day, you will look back and thank God for your present experiences.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us carry our daily crosses joyfully and save us from falsehood. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (24th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Isaiah 50:5-9, Ps. 116:1-6,8-9, James 2:14-18, Mark 8:27-35).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu
We must not only ask ourselves these questions but also answer them and ensure that our answers are correct! It is not enough to pray when others are praying or going to church because everybody is going to church. We should ask ourselves: “Who is Jesus for me?
Is He just a provider (of my needs) or one whom I should obey His words? Did He say I would never suffer for being His follower? Will He stop being God if my prayers are not answered or if I get to suffer?”
2. Our Theology Speaks for Itself
Just as the disciples provided false answers, many Christians today see Jesus as a Miracle Worker, a Bread Provider, a Security Man, a Charm, a Swear word, and so on. We see Jesus as something to be used rather than as God to be worshipped. Jesus, for many, is more of a service provider than a Father! And so, when our expectations are not met, we start looking for alternatives.
Still, on false theology, it is so easy for us to forget that this Jesus whom we pray to is present in our brothers and sisters who are poor, suffering, disadvantaged, and in need of our help. We think of Jesus as being up there, not knowing He is very much down here in our streets, in the remote and dirty villages.
In today’s Second reading, St. James says: “Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith.” A theology that is lacking in charity is false theology.
In last Sunday’s second reading, St. James spoke of the evil of discrimination in our Christian assemblies whereby the rich are given pride of place and the poor are tossed aside. A theology that defines poverty as a curse is a false theology.
Many today with ill-gotten wealth have used their riches to buy positions of reverence in the church for themselves. The fact that a person displays riches does not mean God has blessed them; they may have bowed to Satan in exchange for the fleeting glories of the world.
On the other hand, the fact that you are poor does not mean God has not blessed you. There is more to life than riches.
3. A Cross-less Theology is a false Theology
Jesus tells us today, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34). Whether we like it or not, Christianity involves self-denial, self-discipline, suffering, embracing lack; giving away one’s life for Christ’s sake.
As powerful as the cross, so powerful are those pains, insults, ridicule, and shame we must put up with for the sake of our Christian Faith. Do not despise your sufferings; do not reduce your cross; do not abandon the narrow path; do not try to be like everyone else; do not get tired of doing good even when your goodness seems unrewarded and unappreciated.
Jesus never told us to expect only bliss. He never promised us a life of milk and honey on this earth. Jesus said: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.” (Matthew 5:10-12).
In another passage, Jesus said: “Whoever of you does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:33). Peter had a cross-less theology like many Christians today. This theology says “God forbid” suffering. It desires glory but rejects self-discipline. It prefers the wide road of comfort and pleasure, but Jesus says, “Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy, which leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13-14)
4. God Writes Straight on Crooked Lines
Have you ever had a very painful experience that eventually changed your entire life to the extent that you found yourself thanking God for letting you experience that painful situation in the first place? Dear friends, we serve a God who can bring out the best from the worst. St. Paul assures us that “all things” (including our tears and pains) “work together for good for those who love God” (Romans 8:28).
St. Augustine added: “Since God is the highest good, he would not allow any evil to exist in his works unless his omnipotence and goodness were such as to bring good even out of evil.” The book of Hebrews puts it thus: “For the Lord disciplines him whom he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons.” (Hebrews 12:5-7)
Remember Joseph of the Old Testament, when eventually he reunited with his brothers, they were so scared Joseph would repay them for the evil they meted out on him, but Joseph said: “As for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you and your little ones.” (Genesis 50:20-21). When we read in Jeremiah 29:11 that God has plans for us, we must bear in mind that part of that plan is that, at some point, we will undergo some amount of suffering.
In today’s first reading, Isaiah prophesies the coming Messiah, saying, “I turned not backwards. I gave my back to the smiters and my cheeks to those who pulled out the beard; I hid not my face from shame and spitting… I have set my face like a flint, knowing I shall not be put to shame.” (Isaiah 50:5-7).
This was exactly the mindset of Jesus Christ when he rebuked Peter in today’s Gospel passage. Jesus knew that no matter what He had to face, He would never be put to shame. This should be your mindset, too. Are you currently suffering? Do not think God has failed. Hold on, remain steadfast. Don’t give up on God. One day, you will look back and thank God for your present experiences.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, help us carry our daily crosses joyfully and save us from falsehood. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (24th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: Isaiah 50:5-9, Ps. 116:1-6,8-9, James 2:14-18, Mark 8:27-35).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu
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