Twenty-second Sunday of the Year: A: September 3, 2023

                     THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP

First Reading: Jeremiah 20: 7-9

Second Reading: Romans 12: 1-2

Gospel Reading: Matthew 16: 21-27

   * First reading is from the book of Prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah bitterly complains about the painful situation that he is facing: fierce opposition, insults, reproach and derision from the people. He is despised by everyone because he is speaking for the Lord God. Trusting in the power of the Lord God, he pleads that with the help of the Almighty, he be able to continue his mission entrusted to him. 

   * Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Romans. Paul urges the Christian community at Rome and us not to be influenced by the worldly ways of people around them. He pleads with them to live their lives as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God. 

Gaining life and losing life                                                                     Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. In the first part of today's Gospel, Jesus explains to His disciples His impending rejection at Jerusalem and His death on the cross. This revelation shocks the disciples and they cannot accept such a situation. Consequently, Peter and other Apostles protest and try to persuade the Lord: That such an event should never happen to the Lord. Jesus immediately tells Peter, "Get behind me Satan." Jesus tells him not to be a stumbling block to the plan of God. It is surprising that Peter who was earlier praised by the Lord and was assured that he would become the rock on which the Church would be built (Matthew 16:18) turned out to be a stumbling block. What a turn of events! It is a clear warning from the Lord for everyone, especially those who exercise authority in the Church. In the second part of today's Gospel, Jesus tells the disciples the paradox of being His disciples. To be a disciple would imply that he/she should take up one's cross and follow the Lord in the most difficult situations of life. He further instructs that those who want to save their life will lose it and those who lose their life for His sake will find it. This is the challenge that Jesus puts before us everyday of our lives. If we put ourselves at the center of our lives, we will fail. But if we put Jesus at the center of our lives we will surely succeed. This is the message that the Lord puts before us to be His authentic and genuine disciples.