Dear friends, the profound readings for today’s 24th Sunday in Ordinary time, invite us to deeply reflect on the nature of discipleship, the cost of following Jesus, and the paradoxes that challenge our understanding of faith. At the heart of this reflection lies the pivotal moment at Caesarea Philippi, a place that serves as a backdrop for one of the most significant revelations in the Gospels.
In the Gospel of Mark, as Jesus travels with His disciples to Caesarea Philippi, He asks them a deceptively simple question: "Who do people say that I am?" The disciples offer various answers—some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets. These varied responses reflect society’s attempts to categorize Jesus in familiar terms but that in so doing we miss the opportunity of arriving at who he truly is. Yet, when Jesus turns the question to the apostles, “But who do you say that I am?” it is Peter who steps forward with a bold proclamation: “You are the Christ.”
This moment is pivotal not simply for Peter, but for the entire
discourse on discipleship. It reveals Peter's deep understanding of Jesus' identity, recognizing Him as the long-awaited Messiah yet Jesus reminds him and all who heard, that the knowledge which correctly identifies Jesus as Christ, Lord, and eventually Almighty God, is a gift of wisdom from above—from the Father who reveals his Son.
However, this scene also sets the stage for a necessary shift in Peter's perception of what it means to follow Christ. Soon after this proclamation, Jesus begins to teach them about the suffering that lies ahead—His own rejection, His impending death, and the promise of resurrection.
Peter's rebuke of Jesus, "God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to you," reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of the Messiah. It's a representation of the human desire to avoid suffering and to seek glory without the cross. In this instance, Peter's intentions may seem noble; he is likely motivated by love for his teacher and a desire to protect him. Nevertheless, Jesus' response—"Get behind me, Satan!"—is a stark and shocking reminder that the true Christ will indeed fulfill the prophecies about the “Suffering Servant” of Yahweh, long before spoken by God through the prophet Isaiah (52:13–53:12). This is a figure who endures suffering and injustice, ultimately leading to the redemption of many people. But many great figures have suffered so as to save others, like many of the martyred saints, so how do we know these prophecies are truly speaking about Jesus?
In Isaiah 53:5 we read that, “He was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities,” where the author is indicating that this is one individual who is suffering for the collective whole, but more importantly, who through his suffering, brings about the atonement for the sins of others (Isaiah 53:6). There are theological reasons, with logical foundations that assert that this individual would have to be divine, i.e., God himself. Isaiah 53 depicts the Servant as someone who is despised and rejected and again this perfectly describes what Jesus went through (John 1:11). His trial, mockery, and crucifixion are seen as the ultimate manifestation
of this prophetic rejection and suffering. But then we also have the fact that this Redeemer will remain silent before his accusers.
Isaiah 53:7 mentions that the Servant does not open His mouth in response to accusations. This is seen as a reference to Jesus during His trial, where He remains largely silent (Matthew 27:12-14). This silence in the face of injustice highlights his meekness and obedience to God's plan. How important a lesson is this for all of us? The Servant is described as one whose suffering leads to exaltation (Isaiah 53:10-11). Yesterday we just celebrated the Exaltation of the Cross in Canada and many other countries, where we remember that our Lord’s crucifixion is also his glorification and exaltation. Christians believe that Jesus’ resurrection is the ultimate victory however over suffering and death, giving believers the opportunity to enter heaven through cooperating with God’s grace, which had up until then been closed due to sin. The New Testament describes this resurrection as the fulfillment of God's plan and a vindication of Jesus' passion and death (Acts 2:31-32, Romans 4:25). Saint Peter’s refusal to acknowledge this reality of what Jesus’ mission entailed, was tantamount to diabolical behaviour – “Get behind me, Satan!”
Why such strong words, and why the comparison to Satan? In the biblical text, the name 'Satan' translates to 'the accuser.' When Jesus calls Peter by this name, He highlights that Peter has allowed human thinking to overshadow the divine plan. Peter’s desire to prevent Jesus' suffering reflects an earthly perspective, one that prioritizes self-preservation over the sacrificial love that underpins the very essence of the Gospel. In Peter’s desire to have our Lord revert back to human comforts, the temptation of Satan in the desert, while Jesus spent those forty days and nights in austere connection with the Father, was rekindled in his perception, and therefore, Peter for an instant, becomes the mouthpiece of Satan. Yet another huge lesson for all of us. What comes out of our mouths matters and ought to be shaped by prayerful living. This is our journey.
The pilgrimage to Caesarea Philippi is also significant. This region was known for its pagan worship and had deep-seated cultural connotations of power and false gods. In this context, Jesus challenges His disciples to confront the worldly standards they are accustomed to and to discern the radical nature of God’s kingdom. To follow Jesus is to step away from societal expectations and comforts, and to embrace a faith that is not merely spoken but lived out through action.
As James reminds us in the second reading, faith without works is dead. Our beliefs must translate into actions that reflect the love and sacrifice ingrained in our faith always seeking the good of the other. In the face of suffering and the call to carry our own crosses, the real test is not simply in declaring who Jesus is, but in living as if we truly understand and accept the ramifications of that declaration.
Thus today, let us reflect upon Caesarea Philippi as not just a historical location, but as a spiritual crossroads for each one of us. When confronted with the cost of discipleship—a call to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Christ—what will our response be? Will we, like Peter, sometimes cling to our desires for comfort and safety? Or will we embrace the profound call to sacrifice our own interests for the sake of the Gospel?
May we pray for the grace to truly hear and understand the call of Christ in our lives. May we be keenly aware of the ways our actions reflect our faith, recognizing that to be a disciple of Christ is to journey through suffering toward resurrection—a journey marked by love, service, and unwavering commitment to the truth of who He is. Amen.
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