“I offered my back to those who struck me, my cheeks to those who tore my beard.” Isaiah 50:6
Since the time of the prophet Isaiah, the Messiah has been presented as the Suffering Servant. He suffered willingly and wholeheartedly. He did not rebel nor resist. He totally trusted God and was never disappointed. He is our model. We, too, have to do the same.
St James in our second reading says that faith, if it does not have works, is dead. Faith and good works always go together. Our faith must be active and effective. It must be translated into concrete acts of charity towards the poor and the needy. Our faith also tells us that suffering is part of our following of Christ. So we need to actively and effectively embrace suffering the same way we actively and effectively embrace grace and blessing.
Jesus, in the gospel today, asked His diciples how deeply they know Him. And after Peter’s confession, “You are the Christ,” Jesus taught his disciples not only about His impending death, but also, about His resurrection. They must be ready to embrace suffering and the cross. “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.”
Recently, I was browsing my old photos and found a class photo taken when I was in year 4 at primary school (1989). I did not immediately recognise myself. I had to look very closely at the photo. And I found a very young and innocent-looking boy. I looked at the mirror and noticed the big difference. I changed a lot. But is it for the better?
We inevitably mature and grow old. Hardships can often easily take away our youthfulness, innocence and beauty. But for some, the effects of hardships could be very positive like, maturity, responsibility and an enhanced beauty. They age gracefully. Gold must be purified under fire to achieve its purest form. So, too, in our faith journey. Sufferings and challenges in life must bring out the best in us. Have we grown and matured in faith? Have we learned to embrace our crosses? Do we still worry, become anxious and afraid dealing with life’s challenges? Always remember, the Lord is coming to help us.
Blessings!
Fr Gilbert
