Aug. 30th

Post date: Sep 01, 2020 8:50:33 PM

August 30, 2020 Homily by Fr. Karl Schray

Last week in Matthew’s Gospel you could say that the tide began to turn.

Jesus’ chosen twelve were put to the test and came through

with flying colors thanks to their spokesman, Peter.

From that time on, Jesus began to make it clear that he was destined

to go to Jerusalem, where he would suffer and be put to death,

but would rise on the third day.

As we see, the twelve were staggered. Peter took Jesus aside and

confronted him for speaking this way. At that, the man who last week

was praised up to the skies and made the head of the Church was rebuked

severely. “That kind of talk comes from the devil, not God.

So, get thee behind me, Satan. You are an obstacle in my path.”

Poor Peter, one week he is the rock and the next-- the stone of scandal blocking the way. Blessed then, cursed today.

Thinking the thoughts of God and now told he had the thoughts of the devil.

Jesus continued to tell them it would not be a bed of roses for himself or for those who followed him.

Again, we have the recurring theme of denying ourselves and taking

up our cross. I suppose that is why we often speak about the challenge of

a Christian life. We must remember that denying ourselves doesn’t mean

just doing without some luxury for a week or so to contribute

to a good cause. It means saying ‘no’ to self and ‘yes’ to God.

To follow Christ may take us where personal ambition must be abandoned. It may take us where the reward is small and the prestige non-existent.

It will often mean leaving the comfort of home to reach out to or visit a sick or lonely person. It’s like the game of ‘follow the leader’. We must follow and imitate Christ.

Don’t forget—after life comes judgment,

i.e. one who selfishly hugs life to himself and thinks of only his own comfort

will be reckoned a failure in heaven.

But the person who applies himself to help others,

will be considered a great winner in heaven.