Catechism Links [1]
CCC 713-716: the path of the Messiah traced out in the “Servant Songs”
CCC 440, 571-572, 601: Jesus suffered and died for our salvation
CCC 618: our participation in Christ’s sacrifice
CCC 2044-2046: good works manifest faith
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| “Christ Carrying His Cross” by El Greco 1580s |
Commentary:
Commentary on Is 50:5-9a
This is the third of the four “Servant of the Lord” oracles from Isaiah. These four comprise the “Suffering Servant” that is the prophetic vision of the Messiah describing the humble ministry of Christ.
In this passage the prophet describes his mission to “…speak to the weary a word that will rouse them.” The “weary” are those born down by oppression and the “Word” that will rouse them is hope in God. (Isaiah 50:4) In doing this he has incurred the wrath of the powerful, the oppressors but he is steadfast in is mission as his faith in God sustains him, in spite of the persecution he suffers. God chastises the people for not following the servant who willingly accepts God’s service and even the contempt of the people. The image of humble service is frequently associated with the suffering servant prophetic of Christ.
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R. (9)I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.
or:
Alleluia.
Commentary on Ps 116:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9
Psalm 116 is a song sung as the psalmist offers a sacrifice in thanksgiving for God’s help in distress. The singer thanks God and acknowledges that the Lord has heard the plea of his faithful teaching those who attend that God is merciful and that the faith response is to follow the Lord in all things “I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.”
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Commentary on Jas 2:14-18
We are given St. James famous “Faith without works” monologue. The author lays the foundation for the Church’s understanding of justification through both faith and actions (to be clear, justified in this context means – “the act of God whereby humankind is made or accounted just [justified], or free from guilt or penalty of sin.”)
“The theme of these verses is the relationship of faith and works (deeds). It has been argued that the teaching here contradicts that of Paul (see especially Romans 4:5-6). The problem can only be understood if the different viewpoints of the two authors are seen. Paul argues against those who claim to participate in God's salvation because of their good deeds as well as because they have committed themselves to trust in God through Jesus Christ (Paul's concept of faith). Paul certainly understands, however, the implications of true faith for a life of love and generosity (see Galatians 5:6, 13-15). The author of James is well aware that proper conduct can only come about with an authentic commitment to God in faith (James 2:18, 26). Many think he was seeking to correct a misunderstanding of Paul's view.” [5]
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Commentary on Mk 8:27-35
This selection from St. Mark’s Gospel is pivotal for the original audience. Up to this point in Jesus public ministry he has been thought of by those who meet him as a prophet and teacher – a Holy Man. That changes as St. Peter identifies him as “Christ” the Messiah. After silencing them (his closest friends) Jesus, using the title “Son of Man” (see Daniel 7:13-14), foresees his trials and passion. This frightens the disciples and probably confuses many of the entourage (remember, there were more than just the 12 following Jesus around) and Peter confronts him asking him to take a different approach to what he tells his students. Seeing this request as an invitation to take a different path, Jesus rebukes Peter.
Then turning to the rest of his followers, Jesus calls all of those who are with him to authentic discipleship. He tells them that answering that call means placing Christian sacrifice first and if necessary denying even one’s life for the sake of the truth of the Son of God.
CCC: Mk 8:27 472; Mk 8:31-33 557; Mk 8:31 474, 572, 649; Mk 8:34 459, 1615; Mk 8:35 2544
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Homily:
We are constantly reminded that we are all on a journey of faith. Along the way we encounter others. Some of those we encounter are going the same way we are and we walk with them for a while (our friends). A very few are going at the same pace in the same direction and we walk with them for a very long time (our family). However, most of those we meet are either traveling at a different pace; are at a different point in the journey; or are going in the wrong direction entirely.
Those of us lucky enough to have very close friends or family traveling the same journey are like the crew of a sail boat While we are at the helm steering a course, others around us, our friends and family are constantly giving us information that help us to adjust that direction so we are moving toward our destination at the best possible speed.
The Church is the like the boat builder and sail-maker. The Church gives us the means to travel on our journey. It provides safety in storms, and gives us the power to move constantly against a secular tide that always flows against us.
We have as our navigation chart the Holy Scripture. Translated by the Church into directions we can understand, It tells us where the danger areas are, the shoals and sandbars where we could run aground or even be sunk. We need to constantly rely on that chart and listen to those who are helping us navigate.
The Lord, of course, is our compass (now days He’s actually more like a GPS). He both guides us with a needle that points the way and at the same time provides the direction for us to travel.
Now sometimes, in our boat, a person tries to misdirect us. They may say let’s go over there because the sun is shining or let’s go here because it is more fun. These people can be a danger to us because, if we forget to consult the chart, listen to the rest of the crew, or consult the compass, we can run aground and sink.
This is what is happening with Jesus today in his Gospel. In his case it is his “First Mate” who is trying to turn him from his proper course. Peter, who has just led the disciples in telling Jesus they believe is the Son of God, now actually argues with him about the course of events.
We can understand Peter. He and the other disciples love Jesus and he has just told them the destination was going to break up the crew. They are worried and frightened because they don’t understand why they have to follow this course.
Frankly, Jesus himself, because he is True Man, is frightened as well. He knows the course they must sail, but also knows what lies at the way point, that is the Cross. So when Peter suggests that this is not the way to go, for the briefest of instants, Jesus is tempted to follow that advice and take an easier course. Then he realizes that the evil one, who is always trying to sell us inaccurate (uncertified) charts at discount rates, has whispered in Peter’s ear. That is why he tells Peter; “Get behind me, Satan.”
If the Apostles on Jesus’ crew can get bad information, how much more carefully do we need to be on guard against following bad advice and sailing off course? We, who are not nearly as good at sailing this journey of faith, need to be constantly consulting the compass (who is Jesus) and referring to the charts (Holy Scripture). And when the seas of our journey get rough, we need to trust our boat (the Church) and know that the party at the end of journey is one we cannot afford to miss.
Pax
In other Years on this date: Memorial of Saint John Chrysostom, Bishop and Doctor
[1] Catechism links are taken from the Homiletic Directory, Published by the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, 29 June 2014
[2] S.S Commemoratio
[3] The picture is “Christ Carrying His Cross” by El Greco 1580s
[5] See NAB footnote on James 2:14-26
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