MY WAY OR GOD’S WAY
Poor Peter... he is the first of the disciples to respond to the question put by Jesus, “Who do you say I am?” He answers, “You are the Christ” (Matthew 16:16). Then a short time later later he finds himself remonstrating with Jesus about the Lord’s decision to head towards Jerusalem and certain death.
And for this, in front of all the disciples, Jesus rebukes Peter with the words, “Get behind me, Satan! Because the way you think is not God’s way but man’s” (Matthew 16:23).
So, in faith, Peter recognises and accepts Jesus as the Christ, anointed by God to redeem Israel, but struggles to understand any requirement for the Messiah to have to suffer at the hands of the people he has come to save.
I guess we can all admit at times to not knowing the ways of God in our own lives and instead wanting God to do things according to our will. After all, are we not made in his image and likeness? It’s an easy trap to fall into, the ways and understanding taught by the world. Satan isn’t slow to miss any opportunity to come in front of us and whisper that there is another and easier way to live forever, that it doesn’t have to be the way God commands – just as he lied to Eve.
In her Medjugorje messages Our Lady often gives a heads-up to our false ways of thinking, and invites us to adjust our understanding and any thoughts motivated by a selfish, self-interest. She also warns us to be on our guard because satan is strong and is working hard in the world.
