22ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (A)

Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me

Mt 16:21-27

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Today’s Gospel is divided into two parts: (1) Jesus talks about his suffering and death. Peter reacts negatively to this proclamation. That earns Peter the rebuke of “get behind me, Satan”; and (2) Jesus faces his disciples and tells them that the way of the Cross is not only for him but for those who wish to follow him.

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.

Take note that Jesus said he MUST go, suffer, be put to death and then be raised. That was part of his Father’s plan and so he had to do his part. Jesus was always obedient to the Father’s will. After his encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, he told his disciples that his bread was to do the will of the Father who sent him. At his agony at the garden of Gethsemane, he prayed that if it were possible let the cup of suffering be taken away from him. But he ended his plea with the words, “Yet not my will but yours be done.” Jesus courageously met the gruesome death of the cross. That was why on the cross, he was able to tell his Father: “Consummatum est.” It is finished. Mission accomplished!

But let us not forget the complete statement of Jesus. He did not only say that he must go to Jerusalem to suffer and die. He said that after dying on the cross, he would be raised on the third day. The story of Jesus was not a tragedy. His story does not end in death. It ends with his resurrection AND ascension into heaven. That’s why he said he would be RAISED—raised from the death and raised up into heaven.

The story of Jesus ended in victory. And that is how God wants our own personal story to end. He doesn’t want our story to end in the tomb. He doesn’t want our death to be the end of our existence. There is an after-life. There is life beyond the grave. In fact, heaven is waiting for us for heaven is the place where we belong. What Jesus told his disciples, he also tells us. “In my Father’s house there are many mansions. If that were not so, would have I told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?” (Jn 14:2)

There are two other teachings for us in this statement of Jesus.

To gain the glory of his resurrection and ascension, Jesus had to suffer and die. To arrive at Easter Sunday and Ascension Day, he had to go through Good Friday. The same rule applies to us. This rule is behind the quotations: “No pain; no gain. Pag may tiyaga; may nilaga.” This rule is behind the secret formula of deferred gratification. You pass the board exams because you had to spend time to review. And review entailed self-discipline on your part.

Filipino archer Earl Benjamin Yap bagged the gold medal in the 15th Asian Archery Championships held in China on Monday. The first time ever for the Philippines. What was his secret? Not only talent but also the discipline of practice, practice, practice.

Raquel Choa was born into poverty and was forced to sell candles and sampaguita on the streets as a child. At 12 years old she was brought by her grandmother here (Laguna) from Cebu to work as a kasambahay. But she’s no longer here in Laguna. She’s now in Cebu with her husband and 8 children. She has become rich selling Ralfe Gourmet supplying chocolates to various high-end local hotels, resorts and airports throughout the country. During the interview with Karen Davila, she asked Raquel why she was crying. Her answer: “Hindi ko kasi aakalain na malalampasan ko ang buhay na mahirap." Her secret? Hard work.

There is a second teaching that we may find comforting. God the Father did not leave Jesus dead. He is so powerful that he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand. Yes, God is so powerful that he can write straight with crooked lines. God can bring good out of evil. No evil that men can do can ever frustrate the designs of God. Therefore, if we but entrust ourselves into the hands of this powerful but tender God, is there no reason why we should not be able to sleep peacefully at night? Jesus assures us: “Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” St. Teresa of Avila believed this in her heart. That’s why she was able to give this advice: “Let nothing perturb you.”

Today’s Gospel reading contains many lessons for us. There are three teachings which we can bring home with us. (1) Death is not the end of our existence. Heaven is waiting for us in the after-life. (2) Easter Sunday and Ascension Day are reached by passing through Good Friday. That is also the rule of life. Kung may tiyaga; may nilaga. And (3) Because we have a powerful and tender God, let nothing perturb you.