Sunday Gospel Reflection
"Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it "

Introduction:

When, like Peter in this week's Gospel reading, we volunteer spiritual advise how can we determine whether what one thinks and says is simply one's own opinion or whether it reflects God's view and opinion? This week's Gospel reading is a continuation of last  week's Gospel reading, and together they pose quite a contrast. Previously, Peter was commended by Jesus for answering correctly, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God," a truth revealed to Peter by God, and differing from those thoughts of  the other disciples. Now, in this week's reading, Peter once again boldly offers his opinion to Jesus, "God forbid, Lord! This shall never happen to you." Immediately, Jesus strongly rebukes Peter and tells him that he is taking the side of men. Surely Peter must have experienced some confusion and loss of confidence. Which one of us, out of our love for Jesus, would not have replied the same?

These two incidences put in sharp perspective the wisdom of James 1:19, "Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak ..." How often are we presented with opportunities to provide counsel and advise, wherein we quickly expound on what we believe is right, or what we believe is God's opinion. Granted we have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit which Peter did not have at this point in his life, however we must also remember that we have a healthy portion of our fallen nature as well. We would also do well to remember God's admonition to Israel, "For my [God's] thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord." We need  to realize that our first, automatic understanding of God's words may well not be anything more than a superficial understanding of truth. It is often not much deeper or more insightful than would be that of an enlightened unbeliever. God's thoughts and ways become ours when our mind, over time, remains open to the Holy Spirit to receive the wisdom of God, and when we allow him to shape our will to embrace his ways. "neither are your ways my ways, says the LORD"

In many ways our mind is like a sponge. Whatever it is saturated with is what will come out when under pressure. If our mind mainly takes in the world's messages and opinions through the things we read, listen to, watch and think on, we should not be surprised when it responds with spiritual insight which is in keeping with man's side. On the other hand, the more we saturate our minds with God's Word, with prayer, and with the wise thoughts of the Holy Spirit, the more we will stand in amazement as we hear our lips express thoughts consistent with God's view of things.

We do not have to, and rather should avoid, thinking that we should experience this transformation in thinking in isolation. The wisdom of the Church, both past and present can provide valuable insight and be used by the Holy Spirit to make the complex things of the Spirit, clearer. Thomas à Kempis is an example of what we mean. He said "Blessed are the ears that listen to the Truth teaching inwardly, and not to the voices of the world. Blessed are the eyes that are closed to outward things, but are open to inward things." Let's ask God to give us eyes and ears that are receptive to him.

First Reading
Jeremiah 20:7-9

7 O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived; thou art stronger than I, and thou hast prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all the day; every one mocks me.
8 For whenever I speak, I cry out, I shout, "Violence and destruction!" For the word of the LORD has become for me a reproach and derision all day long.
9 If I say, "I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name," there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.

Second Reading
Romans 12:1-2

1 I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
2 Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Gospel Reading
Matthew 16:21-27

21 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.
22 And Peter took him and began to rebuke him, saying, "God forbid, Lord! This shall never happen to you."
23 But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me; for you are not on the side of God, but of men."
24 Then Jesus told his disciples, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
26 For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life?
27 For the Son of man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay every man for what he has done.

Meditation

What is the most important investment you can make with your life? Jesus poses some probing questions to challenge our assumptions about what is most profitable and worthwhile. In every decision of life we are making ourselves a certain kind of person.  The kind of person we are, our character, determines to a large extent the kind of future we will face and live.  It is possible that some can gain all the things they set their heart on, only to wake up suddenly and discover that they missed the most important things of all. Of what value are material things if they don't help you gain what truly lasts in eternity. Neither money nor possessions can buy heaven, mend a broken heart, or cheer a lonely person. Jesus asks the question: What will a person give in exchange for his life?   Everything we have is an out-right gift from God.  We owe him everything, including our very lives.  It's possible to give God our money, but not ourselves, or to give him lip-service, but not our hearts.  A true disciple gladly gives up all that he has  in exchange for an unending life of joy and happiness with God.  God gives without measure. The joy he offers no sadness or loss can diminish.  The cross of Christ leads to victory and freedom from sin and death.  What is the cross which Jesus Christ commands me to take up each day?   When my will crosses with his will, then his will must be done.

Reflections:

· Please re-read the phrase(s)/sentence(s) that move(s)/touche(s) you.
  What inner message of the heart is the Spirit whispering to you this week?

.  From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him and began to rebuke him, saying, "God forbid, Lord! This shall  never happen to you."   But he turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me;  for you are not on the side of God, but of men." (Matthew 16:21-23)
   ----- It has been said that the road to the hell is paved with good intentions. Can you name  some of your outstanding successes and their driving forces? Are the motivations plainly human thinking?
  ------ Share one experience in which you told someone how to live his/her faith. However, you later discover that your advices were contrary to the church's teachings of justice and charity.

. Then Jesus told his disciples, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. (Matthew 16:24)
  ----- What is the purpose of a cross and why would someone choose to take it up?
  ----- What kind of cross are you carrying? How do you carry it? Is there any way to transform suffering into love, love of God and love of one another?
  ----- Are you a cross that others have to bear? Why?

. For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life? (Matthew 16:25-26)
  ----- Are you ready to lose all for Jesus Christ in order  to gain all with Jesus Christ?
  ----- For the average person in the pew, what does it mean to lose one's life for Jesus' sake?

To live His Word this week:

. In your daily night prayer, say 10 Hail Mary to pray for everyone in your family for the new school year

. Talk with your siblings about morality and peer pressure at school for the new school year in one of your dinners

For Youngsters:

. Go to bed early in preparing for the new school year.

Prayer

Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and all my will, all that I have and possess.  You have given them to me; to you, O Lord, I restore them; all things are yours, dispose of them according to your will.  Give me your love and your grace, for this is enough for me.
(Prayer of Ignatius of Loyola, 1491-1556)