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22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A - 3/9/2023 - Gospel: Mt 16:21-27
Hidden Temptation
Sometimes it is better to keep quiet for oneself rather than to say things aloud. In real life, there are times, wisdom tells us, that it is better to say nothing. The more one says the greater the risk of being misinterpreted, and this leads to more resentment; and further dissatisfaction; especially when there is a dispute. Selective listening and quick response are the key factors that lead to great regret afterward. Most of us have this kind of disappointing experience.  This is exactly what Peter had in today's reading. When Jesus told his disciples that he is going to be suffered in the hands of his opponents. Peter quickly took Jesus aside, probably avoiding his companions to hear what he would like to say to Jesus. Peter whispers in Jesus' ears that he hopes it would not happen to Jesus. His idea is good and sound, and right because he wants not just to protect his Master, but also save life. Peter soon regretted his remonstration to Jesus. What appears to be good and right in our sight may not be good and sound in God's eyes. Peter fails to foresee an evil idea that is hidden under  good intention. It is well wrapped; and is uneasy to detect. Jesus told Peter that his idea was not simply purely human, but influenced by Satan. His saying presents an idea that leads to disobeying the Father's will. It is intended to interrupt God's plan of universal salvation for mankind. We can't read Peter's mind, but it looks like he fails to hear the second part of Jesus' revelation about his incoming death. Hearing that Jesus is going to die and from that point onward Peter fails to listen further. The first half of Jesus' saying poses fear and disappointment; while the second part gives hope and life and Peter fails to hear it. His suffering and death are not forever, but it is necessary for a new life to come. It is the parable of the seed that falls on the ground for a new life to generate. This new life is found in the second part of his saying. It assures that he is going to raise on the third day. On Peter's part, he once said he has left everything to follow Jesus. Hearing the dead of Jesus, Peter feels that his dream of following Jesus is unfulfilled.  Part of his saying shows that he loved Jesus dearly and another part is of his concern for his own future. Apart from Jesus, who would he follow?  Peter believes that Jesus has no trouble to avoid his death, and yet he determines to pursue it and that is not easy for Peter to digest the idea. No matter how good human wisdom is, it always has errors, defects, and if not pay attention one fails to detect them. Jesus makes very clear in the second part of his teaching.

To be faithful to Jesus one must follow his way. His way links to the cross. It is not a cross made of timber or steel, but rather a daily invisible cross that requires sweat and tears. It is blended with personal pain and suffering and agony and blood. It is the cross that requires personal sacrifice to make its true glory shine. It isn't the kind of glory that this world upholds, but the glory in God's kingdom. The glory in God's kingdom requires purification and cleansing to a point that not a single dirty spot or stain remained. Only this kind of holy glory is worthy before God.

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