Duped by the Lord, or by Yourself?
A Reflection for the 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
Brent Smith, Director of Adult Faith Formation & Evangelization
Jeremiah 20:7-9 | Psalm 63| Romans 12:1-2| Matthew 16:21-27
Treachery on the high seas… A spy’s game of deception… Betrayal by the one least expected… Such phrases speak of the entertaining, terrible possibility of “playing the fool” – to expect kindness only to get targeted for the sake of a joke. In the first reading (see Jeremiah) and the Gospel (see Matthew’s Gospel), a prophet and a lead apostle are caught off guard by the demands of serving the Lord of just judgement and merciful love, of the one who is truly “good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
Neither had expected their vision of radical service to the Savior of Humanity to include mockery, reproach, and persecution. In the case of Jesus Christ, the ultimate sacrifice upon the cross of our salvation. Yet there is lasting joy in the presence of “his angels in his Father’s glory” (Mt 16: 27) = the fulfillment of life everlasting in the beatific vision.
Those devout men are deceived by their own expectations. God has bigger plans which will take time for anyone to grasp, so Jeremiah, Peter, you, and I have to bear patiently with our own limitations. May we trust the supreme wisdom of divine mercy. While it’s sometimes an uphill battle, may we practice the Christian virtue of joy. Let us rejoice in his love, knowing our Savior has inspire many men and women before us.
My soul feast and be satisfied, and I will sing glad songs of praise to you… In the shadow of your wings I sing for joy. (Ps. 63:5-7 ~ Good News Translation)