In the previous passage of the same chapter of St. Matthew’s gospel, which we read last Sunday Jesus went to Caesarea Philippi and He asked his disciples who the Son of Man is. Peter could answer correctly to Jesus' question because of his closeness to Him. But did Peter really know Jesus? In Today’s Gospel Jesus rebukes Peter because he misunderstood Jesus' mission. Jesus strongly rebukes him “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me”: The Gospel reminds us that to follow Jesus means to embrace the life and mission of Jesus. In our daily lives, Jesus always sends an invitation in order for us to follow him. There are requirements to be fulfilled: first, we must deny ourselves and second, we must take up our cross. I made an acronym (PETER) to make ourselves enlightened in following Jesus. P-Passion, E- Enlightenment, T- Transform, E- Embrace, R- Reward.
Passion. Jesus talks about his passion. In our journey here in this world we experience some trials or problems or even suffering. We too need to embrace our own suffering like Jesus. Peter doesn’t want to suffer and that is why he tried to stop Jesus from going to Jerusalem. Because of this Jesus rebukes Peter “Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. Being an obstacle is not good because we become the cause of the separation of others from God. Enlightenment. By rebuking Peter, Jesus enlightens us as well that love cannot be separated from suffering. To be a follower of Christ we need also enlightenment and correction. Transformation takes place in ourselves by attending the Eucharist and hearing the Word of God. In order to follow Jesus, we need to embrace our own lives with joys and sufferings; take up our own cross, deny ourselves in worldly things, and say No to our own plan. And we will be rewarded if we are faithful to Him and we need to accept that He is the Christ the Son of the Living God.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, on his way to Jerusalem where he fulfills his mission. But remember that our journey will not be ended in suffering but in glory with Jesus who overcomes the suffering through his Love.