Homily

There is a saying: “A prophet comes to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comforted.” Jeremiah’s job as a prophet put him in a place where he realized that in order to do what he was made for, he would have to challenge people as well as himself. He was tempted, as we heard, to forget about God who had put him in such a difficult situation. Yet, his very heart thirsted for his God and he could do no other than serve the Lord. He could have easily spoken the words we heard in the Psalm today.

Paul was very familiar with this point of view. But he had more grace and intelligence than Jeremiah. In his letter to the Romans, he articulates how we are to respond. He challenges us not make ourselves a living sacrifice, to go headlong into the unknown, to trust that God will care for us. He also challenges us not to conform ourselves to this age. We are to allow ourselves to be transformed by the renewal of our minds so that we can know God’s will.

Peter, however, didn’t get this at all. Once he heard that Jesus was going to Jerusalem and suffer, Peter tried to stop him. Jesus makes it abundantly clear that Peter is in need of the transformation spoken about by Paul.

So what do all three share in common? They all suffered because of their loyalty, obedience, and love of God. All three desired to do God’s will with a passion that is rarely seen. Could you say that you had that in common with them? I mean, really? Would you be truly willing to go out and proclaim Jesus in the face of a culture that will certainly mock you and make fun of you?

No matter who it is that you related to, know that in order to be like them, you too must come to understand your cross, that thing that tempts you to move away from Christ. Could it be that you have a problem with drugs? How about the need to succeed at any cost? Do you want to be famous or well liked? Do you feel that you have to have a boyfriend or girlfriend in order to feel complete? Do awards drive you? How about accolades from your fans? How about the need for absolute victory inspire of your relationships? Does the lure of property, wealth, or money drive your life? Are you just looking for the next high, the next party, the next opportunity to medicate yourself behind alcohol?

And when you lose, when you fall down, when all your idols and things that comfort you fail, to whom will you turn? Do you want to have a life of joy and happiness? Then learn the meaning of sacrifice, mercy, and service. Return to God and seek forgiveness. Return to God and pray. Follow Christ and you will never be let down or abandoned. No matter what befalls you, if you give your life to Jesus, if you “lose your life” for him, you will have founds your life, for he will raise you up on the last day.