Who's on the Race Committee

Twenty fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings for 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading 1 Is 50:5-9a

Responsorial Psalm Ps 116:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9
R. I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.

Reading II Jas 2:14-18

Gospel Mk 8:27-35

Reflection:

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 (once in a while I need to recall the sailor part of the Deacon). 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 places 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 our destination.

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 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 careful 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