22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A 30th August 2020.
Lectionary readings
Jeremiah 15 v15-21 Jeremiah complains and God replies.
Romans 12 v9-21 Rules for Christian Living.
Matthew 16 v21-28 Jesus speaks about his suffering and death.
“Stop talking like a fool” and “Think like God”
(or Straight and Crooked Thinking explained in Scripture.)
It is difficult to think straight in times of trouble; yet Apostle Paul urges us to “be patient in time of trouble and never stop praying” (Romans12 v12b).
Jeremiah’s default mode seems to be complaining to God rather than prayer.
As we read in this week’s Old Testament passage, God listens to Jeremiah, rebukes him and then assures him of rescue from despair.
Jeremiah “Are you going to disappoint me? (Jeremiah 15 v18b)
God “Stop talking like a fool!” (v19a)
God “I will be there to rescue you.” (v21b)
In the gospel reading, Peter’s default mode appears to be action, (long before thinking or praying).
In seeking to prevent Jesus from putting himself in harms way, Peter failed to understand the meaning of what Jesus has just said; “I must go to Jerusalem” (v21b).
(This is God’s plan, it will not be thwarted, despite Peter’s loyal intentions.)
Nor was Peter linking Jesus’ repeated “Son of Man” references (about himself) to the prophet Daniel’s vision of one like a ‘son of man’ being invited to occupy the throne at God’s right hand, to be crowned king, and be given power and glory. (Daniel 7 v13-14)
As Jesus said, Peter wasn’t thinking like God. Jesus rebukes Peter, using the name ‘Satan’ (shorthand for anyone who opposes the will of God).
But of course we know how this story ends- Jesus forgives Peter for all the times he failed to understand, the times he denied knowing him and for running away at the time of his arrest. Jesus restores Peter to his true vocation as a disciple. (John 21 v15-19).
Questions to ponder.
- Do you trust God to rescue you from the depths of despair? (Jeremiah 15 v21b)
- Are you prepared to “be patient in time of trouble and never cease praying”? (R 12 v12b)
- Do you have faith in God’s plan? Or are you inclined to think like Peter? (M 16 v22,23)
- Are you willing to follow Paul’s advice and let God help you with your thinking? (R 12v2)
Bible quotations are taken from the Contemporary English Version.
Thanks to Mike Peck for submitting these reflections