A Message from Fr. Jay
Dear Friends,
When God chooses you, there is no excuse and no escape. Jeremiah makes this clear in the first reading. Human ways differ from God’s ways, yet there is always a mysterious connection between God and humanity—a mutual longing that draws them toward one another.
In last week’s Gospel, Peter was praised for recognizing Jesus and proclaiming him as the Christ, the Son of God. Yet in the same chapter, only a few verses later, Jesus rebukes Peter, calling him Satan because he has become an obstacle. Why?
Last week, Jesus was establishing the universal Church, with Peter as its head. This week, Jesus is shaping Peter as an individual person. The second reading also shows how we are to shape ourselves as individuals to offer to God: “to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship.”
Last week, Jesus asked Peter, “Who do you say that I am?” This week, Jesus indirectly asks him, “Who do you think you are?” He asks us the same question. We are chosen and baptized by God through His Son, Jesus, and we are called to be shaped by His way, even through suffering. Therefore, there is no need for fear or discouragement.
Let us spend some time in the adoration chapel, prayerfully asking ourselves: Who do I believe I am before God? Am I courageous enough to face the sufferings of life?
During the week of September 1st through September 4th, I am taking a mission trip to Mexico. I am blessed to be able to visit the Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe. You will all be remembered there during my prayers and during the Mass.
God Bless,
Fr. Jay Raju
- Reading 1: Jeremiah 20:7-9
- Reading 2: Romans 12:1-2
- Gospel: Matthew 16:21-27
