August 28th 2011: Gospel Reflection

Matthew 16: 21-27

We don’t like to deny ourselves. We are told that it is oppressive or guilt-based to deny ourselves. Instead we are encouraged to get whatever we feel like: food, money, the newest toy, etc. Whether we intend to or not we are formed by this cultural expectation both to get what we want and to get it now. Heck, I get frustrated when I have to wait more than five seconds for my phone to access the internet or for the car ahead of me to wait more than one second to go after a light turns green!

In today’s Gospel Jesus is trying to help us and His disciples see the big picture, God’s view. If we only exist to satisfy our pleasures today then perhaps we should seek immediate gratification. Jesus reminds us, however, that we were created for more, for eternity, to be eternally loved. Because we were created to live eternally we have within us eternal longings that cannot be satisfied by the finite world around us. Too often we turn to earthly or worldly things to satisfy a hunger that is so much bigger.

How do we satisfy our hunger? Fist, we have to think about what we are consuming and whether or not it is nourishing us. Sometimes this means making tough choices to give up addictions, power, busyness or other ‘stuff’ that unsuccessfully tries to fill a hole within us; these are the crosses in our lives. This denying can be painful and causes us real suffering, but like our own muscles, we have to be broken down in order to grow stronger. This is certainly the example of Jesus who embraced his cross, took on our sins, suffered and died for us so that He might overcome death and sin for us through His resurrection.

Secondly we need to find proper food: Eternal Dynamic Love. Living in relationship with the Person of Jesus in the Holy Spirit is our guide to healthy living. Sometimes this is difficult, frustrating and even painful but if we believe that we were created for eternal love then it is the only way for us to be truly happy.

-What is something in my life that would be hard to live without?

-When in my life do I expect immediate gratification?

-What are some of the things in my life that I might need to let go of to be healthier?

-What are the crosses that I have to carry in my life?