Decision Time

1.    “Jesus began to SHOW his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and…be killed.”  ….Peter rebuked him. (Mt.16:21-27)

This is the first of a series of Sunday gospel reflections designed to be given to young adults leaving home for school, to remind them of their Catholic faith, which parents have given to them.

This gospel is a day of decision for Christ’s disciples.

Christ HAD to die for our redemption; it was the Father’s will; our sins were too many against God.  Because Christ loved us and he loved his Father, he chose to do our suffering so we could be with him and the Father for eternity.

Peter used his human desires, his OWN wish that Jesus should not suffer and die.  It is Peter saying to Christ, ”I deny the reality of what God the Father demands!  Suffering like death on the cross is unbearable; I love you and do not want you to suffer.” 

And Christ says, “You must deny yourself, your own human judgment, your own urgings, your OWN WILL, if you are to follow me.”

 So you must decide.  Away from your parents, maybe filled with thoughts of FINALLY making your own decisions, your own human decisions, you must decide: “Who do I follow -  Christ for eternal happiness, or my human self with earthly pleasures, becoming self-absorbed, which will last only for my lifetime?"

Christ says the choice to follow him will NOT be easy or convenient; there are no shortcuts, but He will help you through His church if you ask, and the reward will be eternal life.