The Transformative Power of the Cross

24^th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year B (Mark 8:27-35)

Today, we gather to reflect on a profound moment in the Gospel of Mark.

In this passage, Jesus and His disciples are traveling to the villages around Caesarea Philippi.

Along the way, Jesus poses a question that echoes through the ages:

"Who do people say I am?"

The disciples respond with various answers, but then Jesus asks them directly,

"But what about you? Who do you say I am?"

 It is Peter who boldly declares, "You are the Messiah."

 This moment is pivotal and profound.

It marks a turning point in the disciples' understanding of who Jesus truly is.

Yet, as we read further, we see that understanding the identity of Jesus is not enough.

Jesus begins to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer, be rejected, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

Peter, unable to comprehend this, rebukes Jesus.

But Jesus, in turn, rebukes Peter, saying,

"Get behind me, Satan!

You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns."

 This passage challenges us to consider our own understanding of Jesus and the nature of discipleship.

It calls us to look beyond our human concerns and embrace the divine plan, even when it involves suffering and sacrifice.

 Let me share with you the story of a man named Thomas.

Thomas was a successful architect, known for his innovative designs and ambitious projects.

He had everything he thought he wanted:

a thriving career,

a beautiful home,

and a loving family.

Yet, despite his success, Thomas felt an emptiness inside, a longing for something more.

One day, while working on a new project, Thomas received devastating news.

His wife, Sarah, had been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

The prognosis was grim, and the doctors offered little hope.

Thomas was shattered.

The life he had meticulously built seemed to crumble around him.

In his despair, Thomas turned to his faith, seeking solace in the words of Scripture.

He found himself drawn to the passage in Mark, where Jesus speaks of the necessity of suffering and the call to take up one's cross.

These words resonated deeply with Thomas, challenging him to see his situation through the lens of faith.

As Sarah's condition worsened, Thomas devoted himself to caring for her.

He put his career on hold, spending every moment by her side.

It was a time of immense pain and heartache, but also of profound love and connection.

In the midst of their suffering, Thomas and Sarah found a deeper sense of purpose and meaning.

Through this journey, Thomas came to understand the true nature of discipleship.

He realized that following Christ meant embracing the cross, even when it involved great personal sacrifice.

It meant trusting in God's plan, even when it seemed incomprehensible.

As Sarah's health declined, Thomas found strength in his faith and in the support of their church community.

Friends and fellow believers rallied around them, offering prayers, meals, and companionship.

Thomas was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support, a tangible reminder of God's presence in their lives.

In the final days of Sarah's life, Thomas experienced a profound sense of peace.

He knew that she was in God's hands, and that their love would endure beyond this earthly life.

When Sarah passed away, Thomas was heartbroken, yet filled with gratitude for the time they had shared and the lessons he had learned.

Thomas's story is a testament to the transformative power of the cross and the hope that comes from following Christ.

It reminds us that the path of discipleship is not always easy.

It requires us to let go of our own ambitions and embrace the cross.

But in doing so, we find true life and fulfillment in Christ.

As we reflect on the story of Thomas and the words of Jesus, let us be reminded that the journey of faith is a lifelong process.

It is a journey of discovery, of growth, and of transformation.

It is a journey that requires us to continually seek a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and what it means to follow Him.

We all have or will be given crosses to bear in life.

Crosses uniquely ours, and specifically designed for our plan of life.

These crosses can be used to help us to grow in holiness, in love, in compassion, in forgiveness, in understanding, and maybe even surrender to something bigger than ourselves, God!

But most importantly, these crosses if embraced will always bring us closer to Christ and to eternal life.

 In prayerful conclusion –

May we have the courage to answer Jesus' question, "Who do you say I am?" with the same conviction as Peter, and may we follow Him with hearts open wide to the transformative power of the cross.

 

Amen.