The Cross and the Crown
Jer 20:7-9; Rom 12:1-2; Mt 16:21-27
Today’s Gospel is a continuation of last Sunday’s. Peter had confessed that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. This confession is followed by another important statement about Jesus. This Messiah was to suffer a lot, be killed and raise from the dead on the third day. The disciples of Jesus never taught of such an ending for a person whom they loved so much and did so much good. They expected him to be victorious in every situation. There were moments were Jesus showed his glory: his sermon on the mount was accepted by many, the multiplication of the bread, the will of the people who wanted to crown him king. Because of this Peter reacted negatively to Jesus’ words.
According to their Old Testament concept, the Messiah had to save the people from their sins and give them a new life. The way Jesus presented was unacceptable to them. Peter wanted to avoid suffering.
The Word of God, like a coin, has two faces: the cross and the crown of glory. If we try to live one side of it, as Christians, we simply live an illusion. Jesus told us: “Come to me all of you who are weary and heavy laiden, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28). This word encourages us and shows that suffering has a meaning.
The Word of God helps us not to fall into the trap of the world presenting us with a cake full if icing sugar. But this is not real life. If we want to follow Jesus we shall face suffering that will lead us to glory.
Today’s Gospel is a continuation of last Sunday’s. Peter had confessed that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. This confession is followed by another important statement about Jesus. This Messiah was to suffer a lot, be killed and raise from the dead on the third day. The disciples of Jesus never taught of such an ending for a person whom they loved so much and did so much good. They expected him to be victorious in every situation. There were moments were Jesus showed his glory: his sermon on the mount was accepted by many, the multiplication of the bread, the will of the people who wanted to crown him king. Because of this Peter reacted negatively to Jesus’ words.
According to their Old Testament concept, the Messiah had to save the people from their sins and give them a new life. The way Jesus presented was unacceptable to them. Peter wanted to avoid suffering.
The Word of God, like a coin, has two faces: the cross and the crown of glory. If we try to live one side of it, as Christians, we simply live an illusion. Jesus told us: “Come to me all of you who are weary and heavy laiden, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28). This word encourages us and shows that suffering has a meaning.
The Word of God helps us not to fall into the trap of the world presenting us with a cake full if icing sugar. But this is not real life. If we want to follow Jesus we shall face suffering that will lead us to glory.
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