Today’s Scripture Readings

And all were astounded at the greatness of God.

While everyone was amazed at all that he was doing, he said to his disciples, ‘Let these words sink into your ears: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands.’ But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was concealed from them, so that they could not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask him about this saying.

While today’s Gospel is very short, there is a lot that we can learn from the disciples’ lack of understanding and their fear of asking deeper questions. Here they are basking in the glory of Jesus and amazed at His works, right by His side when everything is going well. Then, when Jesus attempts to draw His disciples closer, to invite them to authentically walk the highs and lows with Him, the disciples don’t know how to respond… so they don’t respond at all, ‘they were afraid to ask him about this saying.’

They ignore the uncomfortable disruption of Jesus’ prophesy and choose not to be present to the anguish, fear and pain that Jesus must certainly have been feeling. They choose not to ask questions, to struggle to understand, to try to empathise with what Jesus must have been dealing with. They choose instead to carry on like nothing had changed.

The reality is the disciples’ response to Jesus could not be more relatable. At different times, we have all chosen to protect our peace rather than sit in the messiness of someone else’s struggle. The problem though, is that in choosing not to authentically walk beside someone when the struggle begins can mean that when the situation gets really tough, they end up stumbling and carrying their cross alone, just like Jesus did.

Take time today to reflect on who might have tried to reach out to you and share a heavy burden that was weighing them down. Invite God to give you the courage to be present to their anguish, fear and pain.