Homily - 15 September 2024 – XXIV Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)- Rev. Dr. Patrick Mathias SDB

 

Homily - Sunday 15 September 2024 – XXIV Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

Mass Readings: Is 50:5-9a   Ps 116   Jas 2:14-18   Mk 8:27-35

Key verse to Meditate: He asked them, "But who do you say that I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Christ" (Mk 8:29).

My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On this 24th Sunday of Ordinary Time, we are confronted with one of the most profound and personal questions Jesus ever asked: "But who do you say that I am?" This is not just a question for Peter, but for each of us. Do we truly know Christ as the Messiah? And if we do, what have we done with that knowledge? For to know Christ is more than intellectual understanding—it is a call to action, a call to transformation.

Without knowing Christ, we risk losing our very lives because only in knowing Him can we embrace the cross. Only as believers can we follow the suffering servant. Today’s liturgy invites us into the heart of this mystery, particularly in light of the recent celebrations—the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross on September 14 and today’s commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Sorrows. These feasts deepen our understanding of the word of God this Sunday and make it relevant for our lives today.

The First Reading: The first reading is taken from the second Isaiah (chapters 40–55), also known as Deutero-Isaiah. The central theme in this part of Isaiah, as noted by Klaus Westermann, is the "proclamation of salvation." Within Deutero-Isaiah, we find four Servant Songs: the first (42:1–4), the second (49:1–6), the third (50:4–9), and the fourth (52:13–53:12). In today's first reading, taken from the third song (Isaiah 50:4–9), we once again hear the voice of the servant. He describes his mission as that of a teacher (50:4). Like all teachers, he himself has been taught, and his teacher is none other than God. Unlike Israel, the servant has not rebelled against God. On the contrary, he has suffered in the fulfilment of his mission (50:6). Yet, in a manner typical of personal laments, the servant expresses confidence that God will vindicate and come to his aid (50:8–9).

Across these four passages, Deutero-Isaiah highlights God's unwavering fidelity to the servant whom He has called and commissioned. The servant, for his part, is portrayed as a figure with both royal and prophetic characteristics. Like many throughout history, he suffers persecution, rejection, and injustice. Nevertheless, he gives the full measure of his strength, even his life, in his pursuit of justice, becoming a light to the nations and securing forgiveness for sinners. These passages hold profound significance in Christian reflection, particularly on the identity and mission of Jesus in the New Testament. It is Jesus of Nazareth who fulfils the role of the servant of God—God’s chosen one in whom He delights (Isaiah 42:1a; cf. Mark 1:11; Matthew 12:18–21) and upon whom God's Spirit rests (Isaiah 42:1b; cf. Mark 1:10).

Jesus the Suffering Servant of the Lord: In our first reading, the prophet Isaiah speaks of the suffering servant of Yahweh, a foreshadowing of the crucified Messiah. Isaiah's words are among the most significant in Scripture when it comes to the mystery of the Cross. The suffering servant does not retaliate against his tormentors; he accepts their scorn and endures their blows. This is a powerful image of Jesus, who, when faced with suffering and humiliation, remains steadfast in His mission to save humanity.

Jesus does not resist. He allows Himself to be scourged and mocked, knowing that God is with Him. In this silent endurance, He is not defeated but exalted. As Isaiah proclaims: "The Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame" (Is 50:7). This is the paradox of the Cross—what appears to be defeat is, in fact, the path to glory.

The Second Reading: In the second reading, St. James offers a crucial reminder about the relationship between faith and works. He tells us plainly: "Faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead" (Jas 2:17). True faith, James insists, is always expressed through action. Faith cannot be just a pious sentiment or an abstract belief. It must be lived out through our deeds, especially in acts of charity and compassion.

A person who claims to have faith but fails to put that faith into practice is living a contradiction. In essence, their faith is theoretical, lifeless. It does not bring life to themselves or to others. To be a people of faith, we must be a people of action—our beliefs must be visible in our everyday actions.

Faith vs. Works: It is not enough to say we believe, to pray regularly, or to engage in religious practices if our faith is not reflected in how we treat others. Faith without works is dead, as St. James reminds us. A person whose faith does not lead to acts of love and goodness is spiritually dead. True faith manifests itself in love, in doing good, especially for those in need.

Faith is not a static belief system—it is an active force. It must shape our actions, guide our decisions, and move us to respond to the needs of others. In this way, faith becomes alive and real. It is faith in action that brings life, both to ourselves and to those we serve.

The Gospel: Peter’s Confession of Jesus as the Messiah

In today’s Gospel, we encounter a pivotal moment in the ministry of Christ—the confession and subsequent rebuke of Peter (Mark 8:27-33). Up until this point in Mark’s Gospel, we have witnessed some of the most remarkable miracles and works of Christ, revealing His divine power. It is in this context, after seeing Jesus perform these mighty acts, that Peter boldly declares Him to be the Messiah.

 

But Jesus, ever mindful of His mission, does not dwell on Peter’s confession. Instead, He begins to speak to His disciples about His impending suffering, death, and the profound implications this has for their discipleship.

The Messiahship of Jesus: The question of Jesus’ identity, as posed by Peter, finds its answer at the very beginning of Mark’s Gospel: "The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God" (Mark 1:1). Yet, even at the end of the Gospel, we see that Jesus’ identity is still a point of uncertainty, as the High Priest asks Him: "Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?" (Mark 14:61).

Between these two moments, Peter, a humble fisherman but filled with faith, professes: "You are the Christ" (Mark 8:29). This confession marks a turning point, yet it is clear that Peter, like many others, still does not fully grasp the nature of Jesus’ messiahship.

Who Do You Say That I Am? The question that Jesus poses—"Who do you say that I am?"—is unexpected. It challenges His disciples to articulate their understanding of Him. Jesus was in the villages of Caesarea Philippi, a place symbolic of power and authority, when He asked this profound question. The disciples were likely caught off guard, as it is not easy to fully comprehend who Jesus is.

Their answers reflect common perceptions of Jesus: "John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the prophets" (Mark 8:28). However, Peter’s response stands out: "You are the Christ." His insight, as the Gospels tell us, is not due to human reasoning, but divine revelation. As Jesus says in Matthew’s account: "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven" (Matthew 16:17). St. Paul reinforces this idea when he writes: "No one can say 'Jesus is Lord' except by the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:3).

Get Behind Me, Satan: However, as soon as Peter confesses Jesus as the Messiah, he also falls into error. Jesus begins to teach about His suffering and death, and Peter, out of love but misguided understanding, rebukes Him. Peter could not fathom a suffering Messiah—he expected a triumphant, victorious one. But Jesus, recognizing the human-centered thinking in Peter’s response, harshly rebukes him: "Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not thinking as God does, but as humans do" (Mark 8:33).

In Matthew’s Gospel, Peter is praised and called the rock upon which the Church will be built, but here in Mark, no such praise follows. Instead, Peter is immediately corrected for his misunderstanding of Jesus’ mission.

The Paradox of the Cross: For Peter and the other disciples, the idea of a Messiah who suffers, is rejected by the religious leaders, and dies on a cross was unthinkable. They, like many Jews, expected a glorious, conquering Messiah who would liberate them from oppression. Yet, Jesus reveals a different path—the path of the suffering servant.

Mark 8:27-33 masterfully brings together two seemingly contradictory realities: Jesus is the Messiah, but His destiny is to die. What resolves this tension is the promise of resurrection. His death on the cross, far from being a defeat, is the very means by which His mission is accomplished. The cross becomes the symbol of victory, not shame.

The Baffling Teaching of Christ: This teaching was difficult for the disciples to understand, as it conflicted with their cultural expectations. Like their fellow Jews, they anticipated a glorious deliverer, not one who would be humiliated and crucified. Peter, despite proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah, was not ready to accept Him as a suffering one. This is why he receives such a stern rebuke from Jesus.

Peter may have thought he was showing great love for his Master by trying to protect Him from suffering, but he lacked the deeper knowledge that comes from the Holy Spirit. His understanding was still based on human logic, not divine wisdom. The fullness of God’s plan of salvation had not yet been revealed to him or the other disciples.

Jesus’ words—"Get behind Me, Satan"—are a stark reminder that human thinking often runs contrary to God’s plan. Peter’s mind was set on earthly concerns, but Jesus’ mission was about something far greater—the salvation of the world through His death and resurrection.

Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me

In today’s Gospel, Jesus does not just foretell His own suffering and death—He makes it clear that His disciples, too, will face suffering. Jesus was preparing His followers for the harsh reality that their path would mirror His. Just as the Master endured the cross, so must His disciples. But they were not to fear. They were called to be courageous followers of the Messiah who embraced the cross.

After rebuking Peter, Jesus seizes the opportunity to teach both His disciples and the gathered crowd about the essential lessons of discipleship. Jesus Himself was not afraid to carry His cross, nor to die a painful death, for it was the will of His Heavenly Father and the means by which the salvation of the world would be accomplished. No pain, no gain; no cross, no resurrection.

Jesus' words are clear and uncompromising: "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it" (Mark 8:34-35).

Embracing the Cross for the Kingdom: For Christ’s disciples, the cross is not merely a metaphor—it is a reality that arises from their commitment to the Kingdom of God, which has come in the person of Jesus. Just as Jesus took up His cross for the sake of the Kingdom, so too must His disciples. The arrival of God's Kingdom brings with it the challenge of self-denial and the inevitability of suffering. But the cross is not a symbol of defeat; it is the path to true life.

Saving and Losing Life: Jesus’ teaching about saving and losing one’s life contains profound wisdom: "For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it" (Mark 8:35). This paradoxical statement echoes a later rabbinic saying: "Everyone who preserves one thing from the Torah preserves his life, and everyone who loses one thing from the Torah will lose his life."

But Jesus takes it further, anchoring salvation in the Gospel. The key to Jesus’ teaching lies in the reference to the Gospel—εὐαγγέλιον. The good news of the Kingdom and the person of Christ are inseparable. Humanity’s salvation is intrinsically bound to this Gospel, and there is no salvation apart from it.

Thus, one’s response to the Gospel cannot be lukewarm or half-hearted. The believer must fully embrace the demands of the Gospel, even to the point of losing one’s life for its sake. Jesus' teaching is echoed in St. John's Gospel: "He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life" (John 12:25). Mark 8:35 promises eternal life to those who are willing to suffer and even die for the Gospel and for Christ, who is the heart of that proclamation.

A Story to Reflect On: There is a story from the life of Guru Gobind Singh that beautifully illustrates the kind of radical commitment Jesus calls for. One day, the Guru gathered all his followers, stood at the entrance of a tent with a sword in his hand, and declared: "Those of you who are willing to sacrifice yourselves for this cause, enter the tent."

One by one, a few brave souls entered the tent. After some time, Guru Gobind Singh emerged with those who had ventured inside, now fully dressed like him, and introduced them to the crowd. “These,” he said, “are my chosen disciples, for they were willing to give their lives for the cause.”

This story reminds us of the daring commitment that Jesus asks of His disciples. Like Guru Gobind Singh’s followers, Christ’s disciples are called to step forward, ready to embrace the cross, willing to lose their lives for the sake of the Kingdom.

 

 

Points for Personal Reflection

Who is Jesus for you?: This is the soul-searching question presented to each of us this Sunday. In today’s world, many view Jesus in different ways. Some see Him as a wise teacher, a moral leader, a historical figure, or a prophet, while others may reduce Him to merely a religious founder. Still, some may slander or even hate Him. Yet, despite Peter's bold proclamation that Jesus is the Christ of God, Jesus did not shy away from revealing the suffering and death that awaited Him on the cross. A true prophet not only speaks of hope but also prepares for the trials that lie ahead.

Today, Jesus asks each of us personally: Who do you say that I am? This question invites us to look within and reflect on our own understanding and relationship with Him.

Discipleship Embraces the Cross : Mark’s Gospel presents a distinctive teaching on discipleship: it must embrace the cross, the suffering that comes with following Christ. Unlike in Matthew’s Gospel, where Peter is praised for his confession, Mark emphasizes Peter’s struggle to accept the cross. When Peter objects to the idea of Jesus' suffering, Jesus rebukes him, saying, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things" (Mark 8:33).

This strong response from Jesus teaches us that true discipleship is not about avoiding suffering but embracing it as a part of following Him.

What Does a True Confession of Jesus Mean?

Peter represents all the apostles, and by extension, all of us. When Jesus rebukes Peter, He is also teaching His disciples about the cost of truly following Him. The lesson is clear: a genuine confession of Jesus as the Christ must necessarily include an acceptance of the cross. The cross is not the end, but it is the means through which redemption is achieved. If we desire to be co-redeemers with Christ, we cannot avoid the cross. Only by losing our lives for the sake of Christ will we find eternal life and share in His resurrection.

Personal Reflection

As we reflect on today’s Gospel, we are challenged to examine our own discipleship.

Do I accept God's will in my life, even when it involves suffering, without resentment or complaint?

Do I trust God in the midst of my suffering?

Is my faith limited to words, or is it lived out through concrete actions?

How deep is my personal knowledge of Jesus, my Savior?

Is my faith strong enough to boldly confess Jesus as my Lord, even in difficult circumstances?

It is not enough to simply recognize Jesus as the Son of God—we must follow Him by imitating His life and actions. Am I willing to take up my cross and follow Him?

What are the crosses in my life that I hesitate to carry?

Am I willing to lose myself for the sake of the Gospel?

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