First Reading: Isaiah 50:5-9A

Reflection:

This passage from Isaiah should immediately bring to mind the crucifixion of Jesus. Although written hundreds of years before Jesus died on the cross, the Prophet Isaiah spoke from the perspective of a suffering servant. The ultimate suffering servant is Jesus and so we can imagine these words on the lips of Jesus himself. Jesus was faithful to the end. He was beaten and mocked, experiencing exactly what is described in the passage from Isaiah. Still, he trusted that God would be his help. Jesus set his “face like flint,” as the gospels tell us, and he was determined to carry out his mission of dying on the cross for our sins. He was beaten, his beard was plucked out, he was spit on, mocked, and ultimately crucified. Why? Because he loves you! Jesus died to save us from our sins. He suffered so that we can have new life in him. He now invites us to follow him, responding to his invitation that we will hear in this Sunday’s gospel reading to “take up his cross.” Jesus gave everything for you. Are you willing to give everything to live for him? 

Second Reading: James 2:14-18

Reflection:

We have heard from the practical wisdom of the book of James for a few weeks now. In this reading from chapter two of James, we hear from the famous passage about “faith and works.” James here exhorts us to put our faith into action. In fact, he goes as far as saying that faith without works is dead. We all must ask the question, then, is my faith alive or dead? Am I merely giving lip-service to my faith but not following it up with my actions? Am I “talking the talk” but not “walking the walk”? This is easier said than done. It’s one thing to call ourselves Christians, it’s another to live according to the teachings of our faith. But, with the grace of God, this is something that is possible for all of us. We don’t have to be a priest or a nun or work for the Church to have an active faith. We can demonstrate our faith by our works in our everyday tasks. James gives one example of how it is no good to simply tell someone in need to “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well.” It is not enough simply to wish someone well. Rather, we need to take action to provide for their needs. There are countless other examples that could be used. The challenge is to look for opportunities to put faith into action, and take them when they come. Ask God to help you put your faith into action this week.

Gospel Reading: Mark 8:27-35

Reflection:

This Sunday’s gospel reading comes from a pivotal point in the Gospel of Mark. Up until this point, we have seen Jesus perform many miracles and heard Him teach many things. All along, the people have been amazed and sometimes scandalized by what Jesus was doing. But the question remained, who is he? In this Sunday’s gospel reading, Jesus confronted his followers about this very question. He first asked them what people thought of him. Their response indicates that the popular opinion about Jesus was that he was a prophet, but nothing more. This is not too different from the popular opinion about Jesus today. Most people in our society think that Jesus was a good man who taught many good things and is a good example to follow. But they would not go beyond that. Jesus, to most people, is just another religious figure who we can learn from, in a line of many other good people throughout history. But Jesus’ identity is not determined by popular opinion. And Jesus did not leave it at that with his followers. He then asked, “But who do you say that I am?” He is also asking each of us this question. It is, in fact, the most important question. The identity of Jesus is the hinge on which our lives pivot. Will you open the door of faith and acknowledge Jesus as Lord? Or will you close the door and choose to live contrary to his plan for you? If Jesus is merely another good man with some good moral and religious teachings, then to reject him and his teachings doesn’t really matter. But if Jesus is who he said he is—that is, if he is God in the flesh—then to reject him is to reject God, who created and sustains us. Jesus invites us to believe in him and then put that faith into action. To follow Jesus does not mean our lives will be easy or comfortable, for Jesus said, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.” But the way of the cross, of following Jesus as the Messiah and Lord of our lives, is truly the most fulfilling way to live. And, best of all, it leads us to salvation and eternal life.

Application:

  • How would you respond to the question, “Who do you say that I am?” if Jesus asked you that today? How does that response affect the way you live your life?