Twenty-Second Sunday of Ordinary Time

Last week we heard Peter’s profession of faith in Jesus as the Messiah and the words spoken by Christ to Peter: ‘You are Peter and on this rock I will build my church.’ The conversation between Jesus and Peter continues in today’s gospel and takes a very different turn. The suffering and death of Jesus will cast a shadow over the rest of the gospel.

Peter is shocked to hear Jesus speak for the first time of his approaching suffering, death and resurrection, shocked that the Messiah should suffer such a fate. Amid the differing opinions about God’s Messiah, there was no expectation of suffering and death. Jesus himself, however, understood that the Messiah was also to be a ‘suffering servant’.

The lesson for Peter is a lesson for all. Whatever our position in the Church we must be open to the unexpected ways of God, ready to learn new things, not to prefer ‘man’s way’ to God’s. The Christian is not called to position and prosperity in this world, but to self-sacrifice in the service of others. This is a constant challenge, which will often lead us on narrow and difficult paths. We can only face this reality knowing that Jesus has trodden the path before us, and that this road leads to the fullness of life.

Fr Adrian Graffy, Diocese of Brentwood