Fr Peter Ireorji, MSP - Homily from Thursday, February 21, 2019

In Mark 8:27-33, Jesus and his disciples were traveling between villages when He asked them who they believe He is. “You are the Christ,” Peter responded. But as soon as Jesus begun to describe what it means to be Christ – rejection, suffering and even death – Peter was found ambivalent and cold to what Jesus confided to them as he tried to discourage Jesus from talking about it. In our own life, We are like Peter as we always avoid the most uncomfortable situations. We are not exactly proponent for self denial and self giving neither do I face rejection and pain with an open heart. Today, to be an authentic follower of Christ, we have to do more than just offer lip service. It’s not enough to say I am a follower of Jesus as Peter did but we need to live it and accept all that it means. Jesus took His place among the poor. He chose rejection, suffering and death over power and influence. Today His invitation to all of us is no different. He wants us to pursue a life of self giving and self denial. He is asking us to bear our cross and follow Him. In our hearts let us deny ourselves and allow God to change us according to His plan and let Him perfect our faith. Shalom!