The Gospel text begins with “From that time on…”. What could these words be an indication of? From this point in Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus’ ministry changes significantly. The announcement of Jesus’ passion and death are closely tied to Peter’s confession and the meaning of being a disciple of Jesus. Jesus shows
rather than teaches his disciples about the events that will happen. Jesus is imparting a gift of knowledge to his disciples, which is that Jesus’ suffering and death are integral to his identity as the Son of God and the Christ.
Peter, the rock, is in a comfort zone. He is still basking in the glory and grace of being called the rock on which Jesus will build his
church. But Jesus calls him out of this safe and secure place and into the real world where there is suffering and agony; the cross must be faced. Peter needs to learn to recognise Jesus in these experiences of pain and suffering, to know that Jesus is in all things, not just the good.
We often don’t accept that God could be part of the bad. Those who have
lost loved ones often ask where God was and why God allowed the death to happen, especially as they had prayed so hard for a miracle of healing. Hard as it may be to accept, God was there alongside those praying, hearing their prayers, united in their anguish, joined in their pain. God was right there.
Jesus suffered greatly, bore unimaginable pain and died. God was
right there, with Jesus in those moments.
You are invited to reflect on those times when you thought Jesus was nowhere near your suffering and pain. Think about the signs of God’s presence you may have missed. Perhaps a bird landed on the windowsill as you looked out through your tears; could that possibly have been God showing his
presence?
Reflections by Gillian Hugo
