Scripture Reflection for 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
August 28, 2005

by Brian Singer-Towns

Reading I: Jeremiah 20:7-9
Reading II: Romans 12:1-2
GOSPEL: Matthew 16:21-27

It's Too Much

I cannot do it. Deny myself? Take up my cross? Lose my life? What Jesus calls for in today's Gospel is just too hard. It goes against the countless messages we receive every day, like, "Indulge yourself," "You deserve a break," "Just do it." Popularity, success, wealth, travel, good looks . . . you name it, you can have it all.

Human Reality or God's Reality?

Like Peter, I struggle between two realities: The false understanding of reality that we humans have created and the true reality created by God. Like Peter, I think there must be a way to have both.

If I'm really honest, my unconscious prayer to God is like this: "Look God, I'm volunteering my service, I'm tithing, I'm going to Church. Surely this is enough? There's no need for more sacrifice, is there?"

Surrender to God

But Jesus calls my bluff. He knows that I'm still trying to control my life, trying to live both the world's reality and God's reality. Many of the good things I do are motivated by wanting to please others or look good to others. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks harshly to Peter to get his attention. I need to pay attention to Jesus' words, too: "You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do."

The great saints talk about the need for complete surrender to God. In the first reading, Ezekiel talks about how if he doesn't surrender to God, and speak what God wants him to say, Ezekiel just cannot live with himself. Paul says it simply in Romans, "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."

The true reality is that wealth, popularity, success, good looks are all ultimately meaningless. The only meaningful thing -- the only thing that brings ultimate fulfillment and happiness -- is complete surrender to God. So every day we must pray "Lord, today help me live your will and not mine."

Life Applications:

What are the bargains you make with God to try to control your life and destiny?
Are you willing to reject human wisdom and completely embrace the will of God, even if it costs you popularity, success, or wealth?
Where are you holding back?

Copyright 2005 by Brian Singer-Towns
All rights reserved.