The Enemy<\/p>\n
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22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time<\/p>\n
September 3, 2017<\/p>\n
Matthew 16:21-27<\/p>\n
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\u201cGet behind me, Satan!\u201d (Mat 16:23)<\/p>\n
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We come to one of the most heated exchange of words in the Gospel, and this occurs no less than between Jesus and Simon Peter. The apostle rebukes Jesus for revealing to the disciples that he has to go Jerusalem, suffer and die, but be raised on third day. In return, Jesus reproofs him and calls him Satan. Why does this harsh quarrel take place between Jesus, the most merciful Lord, and his trusted disciple, Simon whom he has just declared as the Rock?<\/p>\n
If we try to enter the shoes of Peter, we will understand that what Peter does is something very human. Peter loves his Master, and he does not want something bad to happen to Jesus. As a friend, he is ready to prevent Jesus do silly things that will harm Him. \u00a0Often, we act like Peter.\u00a0 We disagree with our good friend who wants to help the street children in a notorious depressed area in Manila. Parents often dismiss their young children\u2019s wish to enter the seminary or convent. Despite being in need of financial stability, any family will lodge opposition against its member who wish to go and work abroad. To wish for safety and well-being of our loved ones is just part of our human psychological makeup.<\/p>\n
It is just Peter\u2019s human tendency to keep Jesus safe. Yet, why does Jesus need to harshly rebuke Peter and call him \u2018Satan\u2019? In the Bible, the word \u2018Satan\u2019 has several meanings. The first common understanding is that Satan is the chief evil spirit that wages war against God and humanity. Yet, \u2018Satan\u2019 may also mean a man, woman or entity who acts as an adversary or an enemy. In ancient court setting, \u2018Satan\u2019 plays the role of the fierce accuser. Literally, Peter may fall under Satan\u2019s temptation in delaying the plan of God, but it may also mean that calling Peter \u2018Satan\u2019 Jesus perceives Peter as acting like \u2018Satan\u2019, an adversary to Jesus\u2019 mission, and one who accuses Jesus of doing stupid things. By following human tendency, Peter is in opposition to God\u2019s saving plan.<\/p>\n
However, how do we know that we begin to act as an enemy to God\u2019s will? Like Simon Peter, we must wrestle to discover God\u2019s will in our lives. Perhaps, encouraging our friend to work with the poor is the right decision. Perhaps, supporting our children to enter seminary is the best option. Perhaps, staying behind with the family rather than going abroad is a better choice. We never know what the future brings. Yet, Jesus gives us a guideline. When we cling too much to our own lives, are obsessed to keep our space small, and gain the world just for ourselves, we must know that we have become \u2018Satan\u2019 to God\u2019s ever-expanding love.<\/p>\n
Ignatius of Loyola and Francis Xavier were among the first Jesuits. Both were close friends since they met in Paris as they shared the same room, table and books. As the general of the Society of Jesus, Ignatius had the authority to assign his friend close to him, yet this means to curtail Francis\u2019 gift to love enormously. Ignatius eventually sent Francis as a missionary, and allowed him to spread the faith and expand his love for people of the Far East. Francis Xavier would always be remembered as one the greatest missionaries in the Church. It is when we deny ourselves, our selfish desires, and carry the cross of love, that we genuinely follow Jesus as His disciples.<\/p>\n
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Br. Valentinus Bayuhadi Ruseno, OP<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Enemy 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time September 3, 2017 Matthew 16:21-27 \u201cGet behind me, Satan!\u201d (Mat 16:23) We come to one of the most heated exchange of words in the Gospel, and this occurs no less than between Jesus and Simon Peter. The apostle rebukes Jesus for revealing to the disciples that he has to go Jerusalem, suffer and die, but be raised on third day. In return, Jesus reproofs him and calls him Satan. Why does this harsh…<\/p>\n