Get behind me, you Satan!

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Matthew 16:21-27

Peter receives a rebuke from Jesus when he tries to block him from going to Jerusalem after Jesus announces that he will suffer and die there. Previously, Peter is commended in Caesaria Philippi by Jesus himself when he shows his correct understanding of who Jesus is. Peter is confident to confess that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. 

Jesus agrees and informs him that it is the heavenly Father who has revealed it to him. 

Now, Peter gets a dressing down from Jesus himself for discouraging him from proceeding to Jerusalem. Jesus calls him Satan. That is a harsh word for a follower of Jesus and for a person who has just affirmed him. 

Jeremiah has a different experience. Instead of being rebuked by God, he rebukes God. He accuses God of duping him into doing what is so difficult for him. Obedience to God has brought him much distress. 

As a prophet, he has no way out. He is doomed to suffer. His life has become so difficult since God intervened in his life. 
St. Paul exhorts the Christians in Rome to offer themselves to God as a living sacrifice. St. Paul has long realized that to be a disciple of Christ entails sufferings. They should not entertain what the world offers them, to make life easy and to avoid inconvenience and discomfort. They should prefer to do the will of God, for it is good, pleasing, and perfect.

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.