Reflect today on your reaction to the difficult things that God calls you to do

Jesus began to teach the Apostles that the Son of Man had to suffer greatly and be rejected by the elders, high priests and scribes, be killed and rise again after three days. He spoke it openly. So Peter took him aside and started to scold him. Mark 8: 31-32

Why should Peter take Jesus aside and rebuke him? Was it a reproach of anger towards Jesus? No, most likely it was a rebuke based on the fear that Peter was experiencing in his heart.

This passage says that Jesus "began to teach" to the Apostles that he would soon suffer much, that he would be rejected and killed. This would have been difficult for the Apostles to accept and understand. In the beginning, they would experience all the emotions and thoughts that we all go through while we are processing some difficult news. We could start with denial, then get angry, look for a way out, panic, be confused, etc. Going through the stages of pain and acceptance is normal and it seems that this is what Peter was experiencing.

Outside of his inner struggle to get to accept what Jesus was starting to reveal to them, Peter tried to put on a block. In Matthew's account of this story we hear the true words of Peter: “God forbid, Lord! Such a thing will never happen to you "(Mt 16:22).

Peter's words were certainly words of concern for Jesus, but it is important to note that just because Peter was worried about Jesus does not mean that his words were helpful.

As the story continues, Jesus severely reprimands Peter, but it is made out of love for Peter to free him from his fear and confusion. It is understandable that Peter is afraid of the prediction of the Cross. It is understandable when any of us experience fear in the face of some serious cross or difficulty. The key here is to know that Jesus does not want us to sit in fear. He does not want us to run away from the crosses that are given to us based on our human weakness. Instead, he wants us to turn to him and try to think how he thinks, to act as he acts and to face our difficulties as he did by embracing his cross.

Reflect today on your reaction to the difficult things that God calls you to do. Yes, you can be sure that he calls you daily to actions that require a great sacrifice and a great love. This can be experienced as painful. But you should never allow the pain of a cross to dissuade you from carrying it. Pray to have the courage to face your crosses and, if necessary, to be open to the loving rebuke of Jesus when you discover that you need a rebuke to put yourself on the path of freedom from fear.

Lord, I know that you have bravely and fearlessly faced the holy sacrifice of your glorious Cross. As I am invited to follow in your footsteps, I find that fear can overwhelm me like Peter did. Please strengthen me in those times and give me the grace I need to say "Yes", whatever you ask. Jesus I believe in you.