Every Sunday, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
Today’s readings begin with one of the lines I often quote. It comes from the lips of Jeremiah the prophet, who was compelled to proclaim God’s word and live God’s truth in an evil age. He said, “You duped me, O LORD, and I let myself be duped.”
Any person who actually lives in the world today as a believer in Christ and who tries to live the life of discipleship knows what Jeremiah means. It is not easy. Sometimes it feels as though the rug has been pulled out from underneath us. In fact, there are people who ridicule those of us with faith, actively object to what we believe, and strongly react against the Gospel of Life that we propose. Jesus himself said that his walk to Jerusalem would not be a walk in the park. He was going there to suffer greatly for the Gospel he was sent by the Father to proclaim. Peter was shocked and even tried to protect Jesus from the harsh reality that was about to come upon him on the cross, saying to Jesus, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.” We know different.
There are times when we think that God has actually duped or tricked us into following him with promises that have not yet been seen. We may have once believed that following God would give us heightened respect in this world, unflinching peace in our hearts, and absolute protection from the sword. We now know that this is just not the case. As Jesus said, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” When we find it more difficult than we originally thought to live out our Christian Catholic faith, we can want to say with Jeremiah, “You duped me, O LORD, and I let myself be duped. “
Yet, we stand strong because there is hope. After carrying the cross of discipleship, there is a reward. And even now we are rewarded with a sense of God’s love for us, a peace in our hearts that this world cannot give, and a protection of our souls that no one can take away from us. We also remember what Jesus said in today’s Gospel. After telling his followers that it is necessary to pick up the cross if they want to follow him, Jesus said, “For the Son of Man will come with his angels in his Father’s glory, and then he will repay all according to his conduct.”
So, do what is right. Reject what is wrong. Follow Jesus despite the difficulties of the current age (in what age has it ever really been easy to follow Jesus), and remember the promise made to those who have faith in him and live for him. The promise is that we who keep faith will live forever in the Kingdom that Jesus came to proclaim. We are not tricked into having faith, after all, but make no doubt, our faith will be tested. Every cross we take up for Jesus will include some suffering, but the cross never has the last word. The last word is the resurrection to new life.
Have a blessed week everyone and enjoy the Labor Day holiday.