Today’s Scripture Readings

Gospel Reading

NRSV

From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, ‘God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.’ But he turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling-block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.’ Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life? ‘For the Son of Man is to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay everyone for what has been done.

One of the moments that touches me most in the Gospels is when Jesus corrects Peter. These are strong words, yet they come from love. Jesus is preparing Peter to become the leader of his Church, and he knows that before Peter can lead others, his own heart must first be transformed.

Peter loves Jesus sincerely. He wants to protect Him from suffering. Yet his thinking is still shaped by human wisdom rather than God’s wisdom. He desires to do God’s work, but in a human way.

As I reflect on my own journey of faith formation, I have become grateful for the times I have been protected, directed, and corrected. Spiritual growth is not simply about doing more for God, but it is about allowing God to reshape our hearts, our priorities, and the way we see the world. This slow work of grace cannot be rushed, but it is essential if we are to follow Christ faithfully.

Jesus reminds us that discipleship means taking up our cross and following Him. It means continually placing ourselves behind the Master, allowing his Word to correct us, his Spirit to guide us, and his love to transform us. Only then can we truly do God’s work in God’s way.

Where might Jesus be inviting me to let his wisdom reshape my way of thinking, so that I may follow him more faithfully?

Lord Jesus, give me a humble and teachable heart. May I seek not only to do Your work, but to do it in Your way, for Your glory. Amen.