In today’s Gospel Jesus sets out with his apostles, and on the way he asks them some serious questions to form them for their future mission. Finally, the bombshell: “Who do you say that I am?”
Characteristically, Peter steps up to the plate. He declares his faith; Jesus is the messiah. And so, he lets himself be formed by him. He is ready to take on any mission.
What about me? In so far as I give a personal response to the Lord in my prayer, like Peter, I too expect a further training to make me a better disciple. Suffering with Christ; praying with him to the Father?
Suffering is the one thing I do not want. Physical, emotional, mental or spiritual suffering now or in the future is something I will never want to confront. But Christ tells me suffering can be a path to happiness and hope. I shall ask him today to show me how.