Matthew 16:21-27         Selfless love

The narrative today marks a turning point in Matthew’s Gospel as we hear the first of three predictions in the Gospel concerning Jesus’ death and resurrection (17:22-23; 17-19). Given the political climate at the time, and the fate of prophets and leaders before him, it is not a stretch to say that Jesus is fully aware of the consequences he faces. But this would be too much for the disciples, incomprehensible that the long-awaited Messiah could be crucified and die. Peter is understandably upset by this thought, he probably still had notions of a political Messiah who would reign as a mighty king and overthrow the Roman occupiers. Peter has gone in a few short verses from being the ‘rock’ with divinely inspired insights, to being a ‘stumbling block’ on Jesus’ path. Following Jesus means following a path that world will not understand.

Jesus died because if you love in the way that Jesus loved and loves, the world will most certainly try to crush you. This is ‘agape’ love, a selfless love for people regardless of who they are or their circumstances. We remember today those who have followed Jesus’ path, speaking out against oppressive systems, seeking justice for those on the margins, often when it is dangerous to do so. On example is St Oscar Romero, the former Archbishop of El Salvador, who was assassinated in 1980 for speaking out against the Human Rights violations in his country. He famously said, “I do not believe in death without resurrection. If they do kill me, I will rise again in the people of El Salvador.” People like Archbishop Romero put on ‘the mind of Christ’, selflessly giving of themselves for their communities, pouring out love, demanding truth and justice for those who are helpless. The Cross is a symbol of much suffering in our world, but it is also a symbol of liberation, because it is through the Cross that restoration and healing comes. This is what Peter, and the disciples, and Matthew’s readers will eventually learn.

Copyright © Triona Doherty & Jane Mellett, 2022. The Deep End. A Journey with the Sunday Gospels in the Year of Matthew.

“[Jesus] crosses all boundaries and frontiers and is occupied by only the wisdom and freedom of those who have suffered and come out the other side – not destroyed, but larger and stronger and wiser.                                        – Richard Rohr