Friday, XXV Week of Ordinary Time
(Luke 9:18-22)
Do we really mean what when we say in the “Our Father,” “Thy will be done”? Sure, as long as that will is peace in the world and bread on the table, we want it. But how about when that will includes suffering and death, are we still open to it? In the gospel today Jesus does not shirk from accepting God’s will, no matter the costs.
Jesus is praying. Such a posture in Luke signals a significant event about to take place. He asks his apostles what the people think of him. They respond, “John the Baptist,” an Elijah figure; “Elijah” himself, who was to reappear before the coming of the Christ (Messiah); or “one of the ancient prophets” in the role of Elijah. Jesus in the eye of the public, then, is the forerunner of who he really is.
Then Jesus asks the apostles their own opinion. After witnessing his exorcisms and cures as well as his transfiguration, Peter can reply without reservation. For the apostles Jesus is the Christ who has come to establish God’s kingdom on earth. This is good news, of course, but there is a tragic underside. In the process Jesus will suffer greatly and be killed. There is no way to avoid this destiny. It “must” happen because it is God’s will.
When we face serious troubles in our lives that seem encompass God’s will we should recall Jesus’ conformity to that will in this gospel. He does not whine, much less despair. Knowing that God’s will is ultimately in our favor, Jesus seems only to pray with more confidence, “Thy will be done.”
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