The Nazareth Page - A gospel meditation for your home
August 30, 2026 – Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time - Matthew 16: 21-27
REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
Download this simple process to Prepare for Sunday using the Observe, Judge, Act Method
As the public life of Jesus unfolded, his closest disciples began to wonder what would be asked of them should they decide to accept his vison of what’s important in life. Certainly, they sensed that he was different from other teachers. He was unique and they were drawn to him and sought his friendship. So, one day they had the courage to ask him in a very straightforward way what would be required of them to truly remain his disciples after he was gone.
We are not told what they were expecting to hear but since much of his “work” so far involved teaching and helping others, they likely assumed that he would invite them to continue to do much the same. And perhaps they too would gain the popularity he seemed to enjoy in almost every place that he visited.
In today’s gospel we are given a brief answer, and to be honest, it was not most likely what they were expecting to hear. He began by outlining his future traveling plans. He would go to Jerusalem, be arrested by those in power and eventually would suffer an ignominious death on a cross, something the Romans often did to those they judged opposed to their continued rule. And some Jews in power sided with the Romans. Otherwise, there might be horrific consequences.
I quote here the words of Jesus that most likely caused his disciples to wince and to wonder if they really wanted to remain his closest allies. “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.” Not surprisingly, Peter, perhaps the one closest to him, did not like hearing this and asked Jesus to reconsider this plan.
But Jesus would not alter anything he had said. His resolve was firm and also indicated this was God’s plan for all who wanted to do what was best.
For two-thousand years true disciples of Jesus have accepted this way of living as God’s intent for all who wanted to follow Jesus. Jesus spoke specially about death by crucifixion because that was the way those then in power, dealt with those judged to be against them. And history shows that many of the followers of Jesus suffered a similar fate as he did. And still do today with “carrying one’s cross” taking thousands of variations. All are difficult and all are in accord with God’s intent for each of us.
David M. Thomas, PhD