Introduction to the Liturgy of the Day

Often we hear what we want to hear, not what we need to hear. It’s only human; even Saint Peter showed this tendency. When Jesus told his disciples that he would suffer and be killed, Peter immediately drew him aside and criticized him. Not only did Jesus rebuke him, he told the crowd that everyone who follows him must suffer as well, must willingly take up their cross. Let us pray for the courage to take up our crosses, comforted with the knowledge that God always accompanies us in our struggles.
 

Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word

Living the disciple’s life is not easy. Isaiah is proud to serve the LORD, but it’s been difficult. Facing opposition and abuse, he relies on God’s help. James preaches that faith obligates us to do good, to actually act on our beliefs. Jesus tells the crowd that whoever follows him must take up his or her cross. Listening to today’s readings, let us reflect on how our faith both challenges us to do more and comforts us as we act in the Lord’s name.
 

Reflection

• Throughout Old Testament history, God’s name was often invoked to smite the enemy or call for deliverance. But Isaiah does not call upon God to hurt those who beat him or deliver him from his suffering. No, Isaiah calls upon God in solidarity, sure that he is doing the right thing despite the abuse he’s received, confident that he is carrying out God’s will. He does not feel the need to call upon God for help because he knows that God is already on his side, or to put it another way, that he is on God’s side.

• Hearing God can be a double-edged sword.The deaf man whom we heard Jesus heal last week immediately got to hear the praise and wonder of his neighbors. Isaiah, however, who attests that “the Lord GOD opens my ear that I may hear” (Isaiah 50:4), is beaten and spat at by those who do not want to hear his criticism. Peter hears Jesus say he would suffer greatly and be killed, then immediately gets an earful when he rejects Jesus’ shocking prediction. We are blessed to be able to hear the word of God and recognize what God is calling us to do, but there is no guarantee that what we hear will be will welcome or easy. After all, Jesus follows his tongue-lashing of Peter with a warning to everyone: “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me” (Mark 8:34). Openness to God’s voice requires an openness to God’s will.

• But once we accept Jesus’ command, we truly live out our faith. Living out our faith, says James in his letter, means doing something concrete to show it. If we truly believe that all people are made in the image of God and that God’s Son came to save the multitudes, then that faith should drive us to care for our neighbor, especially those in need of material assistance.
 

Question of the Week

How do I put my faith into action?  When do I resist putting my faith into action?