In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus asks his disciples two questions: “Who do people say that I am?” and “Who do you say that I am?” The answers to the first question referred to the rumors people had been saying about Jesus. But in answer to the second question, Peter surprised everyone by declaring: “You are the Christ.” The answer was perfect. However, for Peter, the type of Christ or Messiah he meant at that time differed from the true messianism of Jesus. Peter expects a powerful ruler like David, who would rule the world, even the land of Palestine.
Remember that the evangelist Mark wrote his Gospel for the Christians of Rome to invite them to reflect on the reasons that led them to believe in Jesus. The error in which Peter and the other apostles fell is similar to that committed in all Christian communities. Professions of faith can be impeccable, but we must ask ourselves, what are the reasons we have for professing the faith we profess? Do I profess that I believe in God, in Jesus, to relieve me of some pain and suffering, to succeed in my projects, or to obtain social status and acceptance? If any of those are our reasons, today, Jesus could tell us: “Get behind me, Satan!” Some Bible translations say, “depart,” but it is not a good translation.
Jesus’ Messiah is destined to fail in the eyes of the world. He does not go to Jerusalem to drive away his enemies but to offer his own life. That would be a great disappointment to the disciples. They did not leave the house, the boat, or the family and followed the Master to follow a failure. As a human being, Peter always wanted to win, not fail, like the other disciples and many of us.
However, Jesus’ response to Peter is harsh: “Get behind me, Satan!” Jesus’ words do not mean “Go!” Jesus means that if you are in front, you could lose track of the life plan He has for you because your desires for success drive you. By saying, “Come after me,” he means, stay with me while I guide you down the right path.
This is beautiful. As disciples, we are called to follow the Master, to go behind the Master, not to put ourselves in front of the Master, and to tell Jesus where he should go or what he should do.
This week, I invite you to reflect on who Jesus is for you and your life. Not what theologians, priests, and bishops say, but who Jesus is for you, according to your experience of Jesus in your life. Also, it would be good for us to ask ourselves if we are following the Master instead of going ahead of the Master.
May the Lord always give you His peace!
Fr. Lalo Jara, OFM
Pastor, Mission San Luis Rey Parish
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