Our path to sanctity, our universal calling, is easy to see, often hard to follow.
The Gospel today (8/30/20) is an interesting juxtaposition from last Sunday’s Gospel. Last Sunday 8/23 Christ gives Peter the keys to to the heavenly kingdom AND with those keys he is given Christ’s own royal authority….”whatever you bound on earth will be bound in heaven and what every you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” That’s quite the promotion!
Now, this Sunday, we hear that Peter receives a bit of a smack down in response for him rebuking Jesus about needing to suffer and die. Christ says “Get behind me Satan. You are a hindrance (Greek = stumbling block) to me. You are not thinking like God does, but as human being do.” Matt 16:21-27
Finally, He tells His disciples (and of course this means us too) “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.” Matt 16:24
Finally, He tells His disciples (and of course this means us too) “Whoever wishes to come after me must 1). deny himself, 2). take up his cross 3). follow me.”
Christ calls Peter’s rebuke as coming from Satan and tells Peter to get behind him, reminding him to follow Christ not to be distracted by earthly or temporal desires. Peter’s human instinct, I assume, could not bear the thought of Christ having to suffer and as of yet did make the connection for the need for the passion for us sinners.
Peter, as always, is a template for us. We are given multiple callings – to get to know, love and serve God, to be married and raise a family, and to run a business. The universal calling is to be with Christ. Our marriages and our business align with our universal calling beautifully.
Those who are with Christ, follow Him are in the light; those who choose sin and evil are children of darkness and Satan.
So, St. Paul implores us to “Walk, then, as children of light.” Eph. 5:8 – the path is sanctity is clearer that way.
