Beloved Family:
Do you ever find yourself perplexed at the contradictions that exist in…you? From where is that question coming, one may ask. Last Sunday’s gospel presented Saint Peter, under the inspiration of the heavenly Father, identifying Jesus rightly: “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God” (Mt. 16:16). Jesus affirms Peter in his future role as the visible head of the Church He is establishing.
In this Sunday’s passage, Peter speaks, almost in the “next breath,” in a manner that leads to a sharp rebuke from Jesus. As Jesus begins to present the destiny of the Savior prior to His glory— rejection, suffering, death— Peter takes him aside and suggests: “God forbid, Lord. No such thing shall ever happen to you” (Mt. 16:22). Jesus powerfully responds: “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me” (Mt. 16:23). Scripture scholars point out that the word used in the original language denotes “stumbling stone” which creates a marvelous contrast of imagery, given that Jesus prior named him “Petrus” or “rock.”
Jesus goes on to point out the contrast between worldly thinking and thought according to the mind of God. This is reinforced, so to speak, in the Second reading, drawn from Saint Paul to the Romans. Within the passage we hear: “Do not be conformed to this world (New Revised Standard translation) but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
To quote a footnote from the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible, Second Edition:
Because worldly wisdom and values are often deformed (1:21, 28), Christians must allow God to transform them into the image of Christ (8:29; 2 Cor. 3:18). The grace of the Spirit enables us to interpret our lives and evaluate the influences of our culture with respect to the gospel. In all things, God’s will should be the central object of our discernment, for it alone is acceptable and perfect (CCC 2520, 2826).
As Catholic disciples of Christ, we are meant to think differently, speak differently, act differently—live differently. Yet I know that often, I mirror the way of the world rather than the way of Christ. Recently, I heard the following question posed. It was not directed to Saint Mary, or any specific parish for that matter. Yet, I believe it is a powerful question worthy of our consideration and prayerful reflection. If your parish were to close, would it make a significant impact on the community around it?
While I respond to that question with a resounding “yes,” I do not believe that we can ever afford to become too comfortable with the way things are or what we are already doing. Rather, we must constantly be aware of the mindset and heartset (I just created that word) behind all the activities and ministries taking place. Are they actually leading us to deeper union with Jesus Christ and one another? And, here, “one another” does not indicate only fellow parishioners. It encompasses everyone we encounter. Let us be a light pointing to the heart of Christ!
Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen
