The Nazareth Page -A gospel meditation for your home

September 15, 2024 – Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Mark 8:27-35

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The previous Sunday we learned that Jesus did not value achieving for himself widespread popularity as it was commonly understood in his day. First of all, despite a few Hollywood attempts to describe him, I doubt that he would be distinguished from others to any degree. A careful reading of the gospels often places him as part of the crowd, an ordinary person, although in his final days he seemed to have attracted increased recognition. Yet we are always left to wonder what he was really like. Fortunately, we have clues in the gospels.

Part of his agenda, I believe, was to give examples of how we all can best live in accord with God’s intent in creating each of us. Clearly, he is presented to us in the gospels as a kind and benevolent person, or more precisely, as the example of how best to live. So, while he was certainly not one to show off or to play to the crowd, we can reasonably wonder what it was about him that eventually brought others under the power of his example. What was unique and important about him for us today as we reflect on how he lived?

In today’s gospel we hear words that should give us pause because in many ways they may not point to the good life that is promoted in our contemporary, mostly secular culture. They do not suggest we pursue self-centeredness or hunger for the acquisition of fame and fortune.

Today we are given what some call the “hard sayings” of Jesus because of the huge challenge they imply. In brief they invite us to deny ourselves, take up our own cross and follow Jesus. After reflecting on these words for decades, after acquainting myself with many biblical scholars, theologians and spiritual authorities, I have come to believe that these words of Jesus are not only quite important and challenging, but in some cases, they can even be dangerous or harmful.

Just a word or two about an improper way of applying these words of Jesus. We are called not only to love God and our neighbor, but also ourselves. Denying self does not mean ignoring our own needs or allowing others to persecute or harm us. There is something that can be called healthy Christian love of self. That’s what we do when we think of ourselves as our closest neighbor and take responsibility to care for ourselves, especially if we are abused or victimized by bullies, tyrants or anyone who does not have our interests at heart. Still, the cross remains, as it did for Jesus, an expression of deep love for others. As Jesus said elsewhere: Love one another as I have loved you.

 David M. Thomas, PhD