In last week’s Gospel Peter identified Jesus as the Messiah the Son of the living God. But what Peter desired is for Jesus to be all powerful ruler and king, to destroy their enemies and give them peace and prosperity forever. However, in this week’s gospel Peter learns that Jesus must suffer and die, this startling revelation must have disturbed and disappointed Peter greatly! This is not the kind of Messiah Peter had envisioned or wanted! But Peter still did not understand the purpose of Jesus’ suffering and death. He did not know that our salvation would be won through suffering and death of Jesus.
Aren’t we all a bit like Peter? To acknowledge that hunger, pain and suffering are part of our human life is difficult! We all want a perfect world free from hunger, violence, pain, and suffering. But the key message from this gospel is that we all suffer and we must each carry or own crosses. In addition, we are charged with reaching out to others in need especially those who are who need our care and support. Pope Francis tell us: "To bow down before the wounds of the human person, to understand, cure and heal them is the task of a church that trusts in the light and strength of the risen Christ," We are called to use the gifts we have been given a use these gifts to help those in need.
Let us listen to Christ speaking to our us, and let the peace of Christ settle our restless hearts. May we reach out to our neighbors especially those who may be dealing with loss or sickness. Let us be Christ to one another and reach out to others with compassion and a listening heart.