Reflection for February 20 Thursday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time: Mark 8:27-33

Gospel: Mark 8:27-33

Jesus and his disciples set out for the villages of Caesarea Philippi. Along the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others one of the prophets.” And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said to him in reply, “You are the Christ.” Then he warned them not to tell anyone about him. 

He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and rise after three days. He spoke this openly. Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. At this he turned around and, looking at his disciples, rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”

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Reflection:

Are you afraid of suffering? 

When Jesus told the disciples that He would have to endure severe suffering and eventually be killed, Peter took Him aside and rebuked Him. Perhaps Peter believed that Jesus was immune to suffering because He is God. However, enduring great suffering was part of Jesus' destiny—He had to go through it to fulfill His salvific mission for us. 

What happened after Jesus' suffering and death on the cross? There was His glorious resurrection, salvation, and, after a few days, His ascension into heaven. What would have happened if Jesus had not suffered? If He had not died on the cross? 

As human beings, we are also bound to suffer. There will be moments of suffering in our lives for as long as we exist. But let us not fear suffering, for it is part of life. Instead, let us see it as a glorious opportunity to draw closer to Jesus. For it is in our suffering that we cultivate a personal relationship with Him. 

If Jesus suffered, who are we to expect a life without suffering? — Marino J. Dasmarinas