Gospel Reading for February 20, 2025 – Mark 8: 27-33
HIS OBSESSION
Jesus and his disciples set out for the villages of Caesarea Philippi. Along the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets.” And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said to him in reply, “You are the Christ.”
Then he warned them not to tell anyone about him.
He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days. He spoke this openly. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. At this he turned around and, looking at his disciples, rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”
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Surely, it was not easy for Jesus to talk about how he should suffer greatly, be rejected by the elders, chief priests and the scribes, and be killed. Yes, he would rise after three days, but he had to go through too much, before that. Because of his loyalty to the Father and love for us, he was willing to go through all that. And, when the time came, he bravely and humbly faced all these.
The chances of us going through what Jesus went through is almost nil during these times when Christianity has spread all over the world, but still, we will suffer from criticisms and some sort of persecution when we uphold Christian values, and for believing in God. There are those of us who are even ashamed to make the sign of the cross before and after meals when eating in public places because we might be criticized for it. But, if we are truly loyal to Christ and love even our enemies as he teaches us, then, we can bravely and humbly face all these.
Satan is always finding ways to stall or stop God’s will from happening. It is HIS OBSESSION! So, if we remain loyal to God, Satan will continue to be FALLEN as he is!
Help us Lord, to be your faithful and loyal followers throughout our lives!
