A difficult path
"If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me." Mark 8:34
This Sunday’s readings highlight the arduous nature of the journey of discipleship. In the first reading, Isaiah speaks of a servant who listens to God's voice and does not turn away from suffering. This servant embodies the essence of discipleship, embracing hardship for a purpose greater than himself.
The Epistle of James further challenges us, asserting that faith without works is dead. It is a reminder that our mistakes and shortcomings must be met with action and compassion, not merely words.
The Gospel according to Mark confronts us with the reality that understanding only part of the truth can lead us astray. Peter recognises Jesus as the Christ, but does not grasp the full truth of what that means, and he finds himself taking a wrong turn with the teacher he loves so much. Jesus says to him, "Get behind me, Satan! Because te way you think is is not God's way, but man's." Mark 8:33
We know that feeling, where we have said something that annoys the person we love or desperately want to impress. That lurch in our stomach, and the unpleasant sensation of our heart beating a little faster. The stakes are high for Peter. As disciples, we should learn as much as we can about Christ in order to fully understand our faith, however, we must also be kind to ourselves. I hope that Peter was kind to himself after being so severely scolded.
It is always a relief for me when I read passages in the New Testament where the disciples don’t get things right. I find the journey of discipleship incredibly challenging some days, yet through scripture we can see that is just the way it is. The path is long and hard for the disciples, too.
Like all challenging journeys, it is worth every step.
Today's Readings: Isaiah 50:5-9 Psalm 114 James 2:14-18 Mark 8:27-35
Photo Credit: Janice / Adobe Stock
Source: Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
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