Parish Message for the 22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time
Dear Parishioners,
‘Do I really know you?’
This is a question that many couples ask each other at some point of their relationship. It can either be taken seriously or as a casual comment. I usually tell couples that marry that they really know each other at about 80-85% (Some might even consider this too generous.)
It is, however, a question that helps each and every one of us to ponder whether or not we are true to ourselves and to others.
As mentioned in last week’s Gospel, Peter confessed that Christ is the Son of God; but when he hears what will happen to Christ, he wishes to stop Christ to do so.
It is easy to forget that in order for us to really know Christ, and ultimately God, we must recognise that he had to suffer and die and rise from the dead. It is something we probably don’t contemplate much about, but it has to be evident in our lives.
And Christ himself reminds us of this: If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
To know Christ is to learn about his self-abasement. To know Christ is also to learn of our self-abasement – for in renouncing our life before family, friend, or foe is to discover eternal life.
Fr. Carlos