15 September, Sunday – Two sides of the same coin

24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Isa 50:5-9
Jas 2:14-18
Mk 8:27-35

The Lord is coming to my help, who will dare to condemn me?

It is fascinating to observe human behaviour. When some people succeed in life, they often attribute this to their own capabilities but when failure occurs, the blame is put on external sources — e.g. the circumstances or other people. There seems to be a lack of awareness that both situations highlight the need to depend on God.

Peter was rebuked by Jesus in today’s Gospel because Peter had the mistaken belief that Jesus would not suffer. Perhaps he could not understand, at that point in time, the redemptive role of Jesus’s suffering in the course of human salvation. Suffering is often part and parcel of human life. It is very difficult to find somebody who has not had some form of suffering. The instructive lesson for us is to remember the purpose and direction of this suffering in our lives.

Prophet Isaiah reminds us in the first reading that instead of fighting against the insults of the world, we should be confident that our cause will be vindicated by our faith in God. Sometimes, it is difficult for us to be able to achieve this aim, and this is where the depth of one’s prayer life will be helpful.

Prayer is the constant communication with Jesus to allow Him to enter into our lives so that we can discover the purpose of the events which we are going through. It is truly easy for us to blame everyone but ourselves; however, a spirit of introspection is needed. Frequent reception of the Sacraments, as well as journeying in a community of faith, allows us to develop a response of love to all around us.

The fruit of faith is seen in our actions as St James reminds us in the second reading. These fruits are borne out of gratitude in both the events of consolation and desolation which God has given us. As we begin another week, let us take time to identify opportunities in our lives to share our faith in all the events which come our way.

(Today’s OXYGEN by Nicholas Chia)

Prayer:  Jesus, let us realise that it is your love which gives us strength to handle the demands of life.

Thanksgiving: We give thanks for all who show us the meaning of suffering.