Sunday 31 August

Twenty Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jeremiah 20: 7-9; Ps 63; Romans 12: 1-2; Matthew 16: 21-27

The bigger picture

Once again Peter’s natural instinct kicked in. There was no way Jesus was going to suffer at the hands of anyone, not while he was around. Despite Peter’s awareness of who Jesus was, his usual impetuous nature went into auto gear. Jesus’ reaction appears harsh, but he was more concerned with quelling Satan’s tactics at the time. How often do we get offended if we don’t like what we hear? It’s easy to feel indignant if we can’t or won’t see the bigger picture. Lord, when criticism comes, help us to look within before reacting!