24th Sunday Ordinary (B)/ Who Do People Say That I Am?
   Is 50:5-9a/ Jas 2:14-18/ Ps 116 / Mk 8:27-35
   
  Introduction
        Class reunions allow us to see the whereabouts of our former classmates, to see how they make it after graduations. It is surprising for me to see some of our former classmates who did not excel much academics then, but are now doing great in different fields. They often say that “academic world” is different from the “actual world” where your creativity and talents will really be challenged.
      Peter was correct in his “idea” of Jesus. He is the Messiah. But in terms of “real challenge” in the “real world of suffering,” he failed the test.

  
   
  Background
  1.

Today's gospel passage gives us an account of the most critical turning-point in the public ministry of Jesus. It draws the line that cuts the whole Gospel of Mark into two. The first seven chapters revealed Jesus as the Messiah who showed the power of God by teaching and healing with authority. The climax of this first part of the Gospel is reached when Peter declares, “You are the Messiah,” in answer to Jesus’ question. Then, immediately, the second part of the Gospel begins to reveal what kind of Messiah Jesus will be. “He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer greatly.” Christ, the Messiah, is a Suffering Servant.

 
  2.

The first reading is taken from the second part of the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, or sometimes called the Second Isaiah. It was written between 588 and 528 BC for people in exile. The People of Israel suffered much because they had been taken captives by the Babylonians. Yet, they knew that this was God's punishment for their turning to pagan ways. The prophet says that a day will come when the sins of the people will be expiated and God will lead them back home. A Suffering Servant shall come who will take upon himself the guilt of the people so that he can suffer for them.

  
  3. The answers of his disciples were not a simple guess. It has also a basis in the scripture. John de Baptist was considered a great prophet of their time. After he was beheaded, they thought Jesus was the incarnation of John. Elijah was last seen riding on a flaming chariot up to the heavens, and they thought that he will come back again before the messiah comes. And since Jesus was teaching with authority they thought he was one of the prophets. Only Peter got it right, He was the Messiah.  
  4. As I said, Peter made it right in first question but he can’t simply accept the second one, Christ’s idea of his own suffering and death. If he is the Messiah how can he suffer and die?

Their idea of a Messiah was the one who would restore the Kingdom of Israel. He would gather the nation, lead a great army, and restore Israel’s former glory. He would be a descendant of David and retake David’s throne. What they expect was a great warrior who will destroy all their enemies in one shot. But Peter was surprised to know that this was not what they got. And when Peter insisted his own will, and tried to save Christ from the pains of death, he was called Satan.

  
  5.

To be called “Satan” in those days was not the same as what we understood today as “devil.” They were using this word to anyone (or to any ordinary person) whose personal view was opposed or not aligned with God’s will.

  
     
  Reflections  
  1. In the Second reading, James tells us that real faith is something that moves our heart into action; doing “good works” to other people. Many Christians know good theology (they know who Christ is) and learn good prayers in CCD, but they can not translate them into works of charity. This is a great challenge especially to the graduates of catholic schools. If faith is just stock up in the head, good works are not present then we are like Peter: who know the words but not its meanings.  
     
  2.  Thomas A Kempis wrote in the Imitation of Christ that no one can escape the cross: "Either you will experience bodily pain or you will undergo tribulation of spirit in your soul.” Indeed it’s true, “Cross” in the form of sufferings and trials are realities in life. We can not escape from it. All of us are set to experience them. The only difference is that, some people cursed God and hates the world because of it. While others found deeper meaning in it. Real Christians should see them as a great privilege of being identified with Christ. To be with him in the cross means - to be with him in his glorious resurrection in eternal life.  
       
  3. Today’s young generation can hardly understand the word “suffering.” A little sacrifice might still be acceptable, but the idea of “total sacrifice” seems to be unreasonable nowadays. They failed to see that suffering is the best expression of ones love. Your first years of marriage may be so romantic. Without children you enjoy your presence with each other. But your sacrifice now with your kids is more meaningful than when you first married. If you sacrifice more now, then you are experiencing a greater love by now. You understand your spouse better because you are willing to accept him or her more than ever before.  
     
  Conclusion  
          Christ’s question to his disciples was indirect and impersonal one, “who do people say that I am?”  But for Peter it is more direct and personal, “who do YOU think that I am?” And Peter answered according to what he experienced of being with him.

         We are also being asked today, the same direct question from a personal God, “who is Jesus for you?” If we have a personal experience with him in prayer, only then we can answer this question directly - from the heart.