Think Like God

Greetings on this the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Jer 20:7-9; Ps 63:2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9; Rom 12:1-2; Mt 16:21-27
Notes: Peter learns the most important lesson of all.

We cannot make God in our own image.
We must conform our image to God’s.

If in all my writings I have failed to communicate well to you, may you at least imagine this: We have a terrible urge to make the LORD’s will reflect our own will – or that which we have deemed is right and proper. The entirety of the gospel reflects this behavior in the antagonists of Jesus. For just a moment Peter is given the insight as to the difference between the thinking of God and men: You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do. Which, in effect, is an invitation to think like God.

Isn’t Paul quite right when he says: Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. Does this apply to the hedonists, sure, but the self-righteous too!

We are made in the image and called to the likeness of God.

What image is that, you ask?
What likeness is that, you ask?

Self-giving, in His case and his disciples, can be in the extreme.
Musical Interlude: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29YrWI3teZI

We, who love the LORD, feel an urgency to the task: I say to myself, I will not mention him, I will speak in his name no more. But then it becomes like fire burning in my heart, imprisoned in my bones; I grow weary holding it in, I cannot endure it (Jer 20:9). “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me; still, not my will but yours be done (LK 22:42).

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Homily three years ago: http://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2020/08/30/god-forbid/

First Reading
All the day I am an object of laughter; everyone mocks me. Whenever I speak, I must cry out, violence and outrage is my message; the word of the LORD has brought me derision and reproach all the day.

Reality check – in all my speechifying are people drawn to the LORD or away from him? Do they feel divine love and compassion or rejection? This is the only measure.

Responsorial
My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.

Our responsorial psalm today is the first psalm of the first week of the four week Psalter. It means a lot to me as we use it for solemnities and feasts and, of course, every first Sunday of the four week cycle. It’s my favorite.

As morning breaks, I look to you, O God, to be my strength this day, Alleluia.

O God, you are my God whom I seek;
for you my flesh pines and my soul thirsts
like the earth, parched, lifeless and without water.

Thus have I gazed toward you in the sanctuary
to see your power and your glory,
for your kindness is a greater good than life;
my lips shall glorify you.

Thus will I bless you while I live;
lifting up my hands, I will call upon your name.
As with the riches of a banquet shall my soul be satisfied,
and with exultant lips my mouth shall praise you.

You are my help,
and in the shadow of your wings I shout for joy.
My soul clings fast to you;
your right hand upholds me.

Second Reading
Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.

Gospel Acclamation
May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts, that we may know what is the hope that belongs to our call.

Gospel
Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer greatly from the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.

Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him, “God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.”

He turned and said to Peter, … You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry