Coffee With God

Reflection: Mark 8:27-33

Several times in the Gospel, we read that the crowds and the disciples have put the question about Jesus: “Who is this?” With today’s passage, Mark intends to reveal the mystery, answers the question on everyone’s mind. The episode is set in the vicinity of Caesarea Philippi, the city that Philip, one of the sons of Herod the Great. Jesus poses two questions to his disciples: “Who do people say I am?” and, “Who do you say I am?” The first was about the ‘hear-says.’ But for the second, Jesus does not agree that his disciples should answer the questions with pre-packaged formulas, because a faith that is reduced to formula is a short-sighted faith. Each person is called to respond, in his or her heart, allowing oneself to be illuminated by the light, that the Father gives us to know his Son Jesus. Peter surprised everyone and declared – “You are the Messiah.” The answer was perfect, but the only difference was about the type of the messiah that Peter had in mind. He expects a mighty ruler like David who would rule the world from the land of Palestine. Mark wrote his Gospel for the Christians of Rome to invite them to evaluate the reasons that led them to believe in Jesus. The misconception into which Peter and the other eleven had fallen was always looming over all Christian communities. The professions of faith can be impeccable, but the important question that requires an answer is: what reasons do you hold for professing your faith? Is it to escape from pains and sufferings, for success in business or for social status and acceptance? If so, listen to Jesus telling you and me, “Get behind me Satan!” The Messiah of Jesus is bound to fail in the eyes of the world. He does not go to Jerusalem to scare off his enemies but to offer his own life. That would be a huge disappointment for the disciples. It’s not for this that they left the house, the boat, the family and followed the Master. That is why Peter confronts Jesus, protesting on behalf of everyone. Peter does not want to commit himself to an absurd project, that leads to failure where the Master will be killed. This could well be our own reaction too. It is not easy to present ourselves as failures before the world. We always want to win. Jesus’ response to Peter is harsh: “Get behind me, Satan!” (v. 33). His words do not mean “Go away!” Rather, if you are in the front, you could lose the track of my plan for your life because you are driven by your desires for successes. But “Come behind me,” stay with me while I lead you in the right path.