22ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME: THE PETER IN US: THINKING AS HUMANS

The prophet Jeremiah’s lamentation seems to open this track when he exclaims: “You duped me, O Lord, and I let myself be duped; you were too strong for me, and you triumphed. All day I am an object of laughter; everyone mocks me” (Jer. 20:7). This resembles the cry of failure, of someone who faces disappointment, as if an investment has taken the wrong turn.  

Jeremiah’s belief is that he is not ready for the mission. His response to the invitation explains this lack of motivation: “Ah, ah, ah, Lord God, you see, I do not know how to speak: I am only a child!” (Jer. 1:6). He feels pulled by God, who promises to fortify his ministry. Yet, Jeremiah’s message does not appeal favorably to the people. He faces ridicule and conspiracy. He must prophesy Jerusalem’s downfall in the hands of Babylon due to their evil ways. Should he withhold the truth, he faces God’s wrath. Should he preach it, he loses the favor of those in authority. Jeremiah takes the risk of faith. In a sense, Jeremiah’s lament sets the tone for the gospel encounter. The prophet’s cry exposes human thinking.

The gospel challenges Christ’s disciples on the true meaning of witnessing. Peter shows up again, this time, not so great a performance. Still, at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus reveals his mission to go to Jerusalem where the Son of Man is to die in the hands of the Scribes and Pharisees. Peter’s reaction is spontaneous. He takes Jesus aside and rebukes Him, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.” Jesus scolds him with the words, “Get behind me, Satan. You are an obstacle to me. You are not thinking as God does, but as human beings do.” This encounter raises a few questions: Why does Christ refer to him as Satan, and what is the implication? How do human beings think?

In the previous experience at Caesarea Philippi (last Sunday’s gospel), Jesus asks the disciples who the people say he is, followed by who they say he is. Peter’s response, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” merits Peter an elevation. Jesus establishes His church upon the rock that is Peter (Cephas). That’s like the first stage of Peter’s interview as Christ’s chosen supervisor. Certainly, Peter fails to impress His Boss in this second interview. He does not want Christ to suffer. Peter drops down from an A+ because, rather than speak through divine revelation, he succumbs to human instinct and impulse. Christ is disappointed; hence, Peter receives the reprimand. The lesson is that we must contemplate God’s will through seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is important to rely on divine wisdom.

However, one wonders why Jesus does not take back the keys from Peter after scolding him for his careless response. Jesus uses such moments to teach us lessons on vulnerability. Calling Peter Satan or an obstacle does not mean discarding him or shaming him. Although He admonishes Peter, scolds him, calls him Satan, describes him as an obstacle, and asks him to get behind him, Jesus does not withdraw his pastoral mandate from him.

Notice the significance of this. Christ uses every encounter to teach. When the disciples start fighting over positions and power, He teaches us humility. When they get caught up in fear, He teaches us faith and courage. When they question his approach to the woman at Jacob’s well, he teaches us unconditional love. With Peter in this case, Jesus teaches the significance of the Cross and why suffering is an intricate part of faith: “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” He teaches us not to let obstacles take our attention away from God. The true meaning of followership resides in the cross. Believers must take the risk of faith.

Now, on how human beings think! Human beings do not like suffering, and Peter acts just like any of us would. Because the brain prioritizes self-preservation, the nervous system is always scanning for danger or safety even before we are consciously aware of anything. That safety‑first wiring shapes how humans think, feel, and behave. Speak to a friend about a diagnosis, and the quick response would be that God would make you well. Announce to your family that you are visiting Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Nigeria, or any part of the world known for Christian persecution, and the first question would be, “Are you sure you want to do this?”

There is a popular slogan among Pentecostals in Nigeria that says, “It’s not my portion.” This is a sort of “spiritual or religious bypass” whereby people wish away suffering or anything unrelated to prosperity. Our brains tell us that everyone’s portion should be the path of success, safety, comfort, and happiness. This is how humans think. That’s exactly how Peter thinks here; he wants Christ to bypass the Cross. He tells the master, “It’s not your portion to suffer.” Peter fails to see the redemptive side of the cross. Human thinking focuses on and prioritizes the comforts of the flesh. Humans shy away from taking the risk of faith.

Christ presents us today with the spiritual antidote to human thinking: “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.” Those who follow Christ willingly embrace persecution in various ways—upholding the sanctity of life from conception to natural death and defending the dignity of marriage as between man and woman. Educating children in the way of God and standing firm against injustice, regardless of political, economic, or social gains or losses. These forms of witnessing imply readiness for persecution. And sometimes, it is as if the Lord has duped us, making things seem harder for believers, particularly when we do not see immediate results and answers.

Paul challenges Christians to be willing to offer their bodies as a living sacrifice for the faith (Rom. 12:1). Christian life pays the ultimate price rather than accept easy payoffs. Yes, we may suffer physically. We may be abused verbally. We may be denied benefits. Yet we are not at a loss. Christ promises, “Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” It is all about taking the risk of faith. Keep taking your suffering to God in prayer. Keep believing and keep hoping. Yes, "The one who endures to the end will be saved" (Matt. 24:13).

Readings: 1^st- Jer. 20:7-9; 2^nd- Rom. 12:1-2; Gospel- Matt. 16:21-27