Fr. Vincent Munari sx
TWELFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Jesus wants to know the opinion that ordinary people (“the crowd”) have about himself, and then the opinion of the Disciples.
First of all he prays as he always does at the most important moments of his life. And this is indeed one of these important moments: he wants to verify if anybody has got a bit of understanding, even a small hint, about his person and his mission. The answer of Peter is consoling: “ you are the Messiah of God” (cf v. 20).
After giving them order not to talk about him being the Messiah long awaited by the people of Israel, the scenario changes; Jesus speaks to all (see verse 23). Reflecting about the pronouns can help to understand and to be more involved: let us consider “you” and “whoever”. The first is a personal question to me “you, who do you say I am?” (v. 20). We have to answer personally to Jesus; it is not enough for me to say “I am all right” because I go to church on Sunday. I must have true knowledge of Christ, of his words and actions, use of his sacraments … all this makes me grow in faith and love of him and others.
In the second scenario Jesus addresses harsh words to all: “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must first of all deny himself (v. 23)… for whoever wishes to save his life will lose it” (cf: v. 24). Here Jesus wants us to adopt an attitude that is not self- centered. This is difficult to understand because it is the logic of the cross, mystery hidden to most and revealed to the elect . One suggestion can be given by this story.
One day I was following the flight of an insect trapped in my room. The creature tried to go out but continually was being stopped by the glass or the mosquito net. I opened the door to the corridor but it was no use, the insect remained at the window because the brightness was there; it never tried to explore other possibilities, like reaching the main door that was open, and find itself immersed in the splendor of the full day outside.
Many of us have the brain of an insect and do not consider to leave the small joys and securities of our daily life, joys and securities that lead nowhere, in order to find the real happiness offered by Jesus, who invites us to join him in his choice of life, death and resurrection.
TWELFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Jesus wants to know the opinion that ordinary people (“the crowd”) have about himself, and then the opinion of the Disciples.
First of all he prays as he always does at the most important moments of his life. And this is indeed one of these important moments: he wants to verify if anybody has got a bit of understanding, even a small hint, about his person and his mission. The answer of Peter is consoling: “ you are the Messiah of God” (cf v. 20).
After giving them order not to talk about him being the Messiah long awaited by the people of Israel, the scenario changes; Jesus speaks to all (see verse 23). Reflecting about the pronouns can help to understand and to be more involved: let us consider “you” and “whoever”. The first is a personal question to me “you, who do you say I am?” (v. 20). We have to answer personally to Jesus; it is not enough for me to say “I am all right” because I go to church on Sunday. I must have true knowledge of Christ, of his words and actions, use of his sacraments … all this makes me grow in faith and love of him and others.
In the second scenario Jesus addresses harsh words to all: “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must first of all deny himself (v. 23)… for whoever wishes to save his life will lose it” (cf: v. 24). Here Jesus wants us to adopt an attitude that is not self- centered. This is difficult to understand because it is the logic of the cross, mystery hidden to most and revealed to the elect . One suggestion can be given by this story.
One day I was following the flight of an insect trapped in my room. The creature tried to go out but continually was being stopped by the glass or the mosquito net. I opened the door to the corridor but it was no use, the insect remained at the window because the brightness was there; it never tried to explore other possibilities, like reaching the main door that was open, and find itself immersed in the splendor of the full day outside.
Many of us have the brain of an insect and do not consider to leave the small joys and securities of our daily life, joys and securities that lead nowhere, in order to find the real happiness offered by Jesus, who invites us to join him in his choice of life, death and resurrection.