XXII Sunday in OT:[A]: Jer 20:7-9; Rom 12:1-2; Mt 16: 21-27

XXII Sunday in OT:[A]: Jer 20:7-9; Rom 12:1-2; Mt 16: 21-27

Introduction: In today’s Gospel, Jesus takes his disciples by surprise when, after Peter's great confession of faith, he announces that he “must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised." After correcting Peter’s protest, Jesus announces the three conditions of Christian discipleship: “Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me.” All the readings for this Sunday remind us that Christian discipleship demands self-control (“Deny yourself”), the willingness to suffer (“take up your cross”), generosity (“to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice to God”).

Exegesis: The same Peter who proclaimed Christ as the Lord just last week is now been referred to as Satan. Why would Jesus speak to him so harshly, after extending the keys to the kingdom to Peter just a few verses before? The answer is quite simple! Peter does not yet understand that the mission of Jesus entails the act of the shepherd laying down and offering his life for his flock (John 10:11). Perhaps Peter’s thought was, why are you talking of dying when we have not fully conquered the Romans. I am disappointed in you! How can you speak that way, you are the Lord. We have not become governors, ministers, ambassadors in this new government you have formed, and I have not even enjoyed the benefits of the new position you just appointed me to. Peter must have been so disappointed that the “Lord and God” could utter such a word about himself.

Today “Peter and his advice” are the “obstacles” that Jesus had to overcome in order to offer himself wholly to God for our salvation. He therefore represents “sympathizers”. Usually, they do not mean “bad”, but they are very narrow-minded and shallow in their thinking and views. They see only “the-now”, but do not project or interpolate into the future to understand that the action of today has both geometric and exponential effect on the future. The poor Peter did not realize the necessity of Christ’s death – that: “It was necessary for one man to die so the many will live”. He represents in this contest, the college of bad special advisers and ignorant counselors in our social, economic, political, religious institutions; families, marriages, relationships, career etc. It may interest one to know that many world and institutional leaders or presidents are good people with wonderful intent for their people and organizations respectively. However, it is unfortunate to note that only about two to three percent of their so called special advisers are good. The result is poor governance, and oppression. This is because, rather than offer advices that will benefit the masses, like Peter, they prefer to give the ones that will stagnate the progress of the nation for their selfish gains and intentions.

Joke:  I have a joke to show how we can have self control in our life.

In the supermarket was a man pushing a cart that contained a screaming,
bellowing baby. The gentleman kept repeating softly, "Don't get excited, Albert;
don't scream, Albert; don't yell, Albert; keep calm Albert."

A woman standing next to him said, "You certainly are to be commended for trying to soothe your son Albert."

The man looked at her and said, "Lady, I'm Albert."

I am trying to comfort myself like prodigal son.

Practical Applications: 1) Our activities or suggestions should not be disappointing to others. Our actions should not down somebody’s or authorities plan. Working for Christ always presupposes far-sighted. Unnecessary assumptions on the people who are entrusted to be charge for and discouraging them with unhealthy criticism does not help in progress. Rather, make disaster on both. So think twice, act intelligibly if God is with you.

2: We need to ask these questions as we examine our conscience. A true disciple asks, "Am I willing to sacrifice something for the kingdom?"  How can I offer even the day-to-day sacrifices of my Faith that demand things I don't want to do?  Can I sacrifice some of my time in order to visit a homeless shelter or soup kitchen? Can I sacrifice my job security and refuse to "go along" with a policy that is unjust? Can I sacrifice my need to be in control and let Christ do with me whatever he may will? Can I refuse to let my children watch television programs filled with sex and violence or put restrictions on the use of their cell phones and Internet use? Can I insist on daily family prayer, take my whole family for Sunday Mass and enroll my younger children in Sunday school and my older children in parish youth programs and parish activities?

Twenty Second Sunday in OT: Introduction

Message: Following the Lord means nothing less than the cross. That means offering ourselves with Jesus as a living sacrifice and not conforming ourselves to this world.  Following him will entail derision and scorn, yet the Lord is our help.

Saints and Events I this week:  1 – First of September – Monday – Labor Day; 3 – Third – Wednesday – Saint Gregory the Great, pope, doctor of the Church;