Contents
Introduction
Today’s reading is the turning point in Mark’s Gospel. In the presentation of the life and ministry of Jesus found in the Gospel according to Mark, the deeds of Jesus have shown Jesus to be the Son of God. Yet many, including Jesus’ disciples, have not realized his identity. In this Sunday Gospel reading, Jesus asks the disciples for a field report by asking what others say about him. He then turns the question directly to the disciples and asks what they believe. Peter speaks for all of them when he announces that they believe Jesus to be the Christ, the One sent by God for the salvation of the world.
Who do people say…?
“Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi and on the way he asked his disciples, who do people say that I am?” (Mark 8:27). Notwithstanding Jesus knew he is in the Father and the Father in him (cf. John 14:10), he still deemed it necessary to safeguard his identity, and to inquire from the Apostles what and who they and others take him to be. During the course of his mission, in the region of Caesarea Philippi as recorded by Mark, he interrogated them in the following way: “who do people say that the Son of Man is? His Apostles answered and informed him that people are saying he is John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the prophets (Mark 8:27–28). To this list, Matthew also adds Jeremiah
Conclusion
Jesus identified and overcame his obstacle in the person of Peter. After the identification, the obstacle (Peter) was placed at the right place so he could correct himself. Jesus wanted Peter to go beyond human sentiment. Discipleship should be devoid of sentimentalism. Attention! This should not be misunderstood. That discipleship should be devoid of sentimentalism does not mean a disciple should not be sensitive and sensible to human feelings and to the plight of others. It means a disciple should not allow his or her human sentiment to obfuscate his/her call and mission. Wisdom is needed to know the boundary between sentiment and sentimentalism. In this case, we have to make use of our reason. As Jesus, we should be able to identify our own obstacles. And when such obstacles are identified, they should be ordered away. That is, they should be brought to order. A true disciple/believer should be able to identify and overcome his/her obstacles. Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things. On what are you setting your mind?
FOR DETAILS, GET YOUR OWN COPIES OF THE BOOK “THE WORD OF LIFE: SUNDAY REFLECTIONS” (vols. I and II)!! The reflection for the 24th Sunday of the year (B) is found in vol. II pages 400–412. Happy reading!
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