Friday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Nahum 2:1.3.3:1-3.6-7; Matthew 16:24-28)
To appreciate the drama in today’s gospel, one must remember
that Peter has just recognized Jesus as “the Christ, the Son of the Living
God.” Jesus approved of the title but
warned that it will not bring him the glory Peter imagines when they arrive in
Jerusalem. Because Peter could not tolerate defeatist talk, he argued with
Jesus. The Lord had to reproach him.
Now Jesus tells of the costs of following him. As he will be crucified so his disciples must
bear their crosses. This is only another
way of saying that the hardship and suffering they will inevitably face as they
carry out his will must not be shunned but accepted and even embraced.
Tomorrow we will celebrate one of Jesus’ true
disciples. St. Dominic did not flinch
from suffering for Jesus’ sake. Fra
Angelico pictures him embracing Jesus’ cross. As a boy, Dominic sold his books
to provide for the poor in midst of famine.
As a friar, he gave himself day and night to preaching the gospel. By day whether by word or action he
proclaimed God’s love in Jesus Christ. By
night he sacrificed sleep as he prayed that Jesus’ mission in the world might
be extended by his brothers and sisters.
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