16 September 2012 - 24th Sunday (B) - [ Isaiah 50:5-9a | Psalm 114 | James 2:14-18 | + Mark 8:27-35]
[__01]
In this Gospel reading, we might say that … the disciples are gathered for some Question
and Answer, a discussion, prompted by some “research” Jesus is conducting.
The
objective of the research question seems to be a discovery of how far ahead (or
behind) Jesus might be in the popularity polls? Does the name of Jesus have
good public recognition?
We might
judge this based on the association of Jesus with those who have gone before
him. It is a multiple-choice question and questionnaire for the disciples.
Is Jesus identified
with --
(a) Elijah?
(b) John the Baptist ?
(c) 1 of the prophets?
·
if a prophet, which 1?
And,
depending on which prophet we were to choose, we would indicate how important
Jesus is – some prophets were “major” and very well known, some minor, some not
so well known.
In
business, in politics, this type of discussion is called a focus group. What is
a focus group? I’m suggesting we might compare just some of this discussion –
and the opinions offered to a focus group … or any group – including a family –
where opinions are being offered…
These
opinions may tell us something about the world outside my room, my car, my
house…
A focus
group is “a
small group of people whose response to something – or someone – [such as the
new Apple iPhone 5 or a political candidate ] – is studied – [the small-group
response is studied] to determine the response to be expected from the larger
population.”[1]
[__02] The disciples are asked a question about what
they see and hear from other people.
“Who do
people say that I am?”, Jesus asks.
And, in an
actual focus group, the members might tell you what their external impressions of other
people with a particular phone, car, product.
But, then,
they are also asked ..what do you think? What do you say? This is the key
question in the Gospel we have read.
[__03] Of course, it is true, that in the Gospel,
Peter, James, and John are not simply questioned so that Jesus can gather
responses and crunch numbers, statistics on a spreadsheet.
Nevertheless,
Peter, James, John and the others are being surveyed, challenged…
And, this
is especially true of Peter who has some exclusive top-secret information not
yet available online or in person.
[__04] Peter knows Jesus is the Messiah and reveals
this to the Lord and to the other disciples.
But, then,
Jesus defines what this Messianic identity is, what does it mean for him to be
the chosen one of God.
Jesus
says, “The Son of Man must suffer greatly and be
rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and
rise after three days.” (cf. Mark 8:27-35)
[__05] At this revelation, Peter reacts forcefully.
And, this makes Peter perfect for the focus group. Peter gives his opinion
willingly, forcefully and, in his own way, faithfully. Peter believes
everything he is saying.
He holds
nothing back. Peter indicates, in a way, what other people will say later,
seeing Jesus crucified, life taken, buried.
And, in
this regard, Peter, James and John also become witnesses to the reality of what
Jesus tells them is going to happen and what actually happens.
In this
regard, they are more then a test-market or a focus group. In this regard, the gathering of these
disciples becomes a family, a community, a communion, a church, the Church.
[__06] As we know, one of the things we are inclined to do, among our friends, or within our families is to offer opinions,
prophecies, predictions of what good or
evil is going to come about as a result of something happening now. We also do
so willingly, forcefully, …and in our own ways, very faithfully.
We (I) may
believe every word we are (I am) saying.
At the
dinner table, have I not – at times – given my little speech, or the equivalent
of a PowerPoint presentation to everyone listening. .
And, certainly
there are times that we need to stand up for what – and who – we believe in.
But,
standing up for what we believe -- is more than just pushing our way to the
front, raising our voice, or scoring points in an argument … or, doing what is
most popular.
What did
the focus group tell me to do?
Peter, you,
I are not asked for what others think, believe but what we believe.
And, I this
regard, we are called not only to be “out front” but also asked where do you
stand? Behind whom do you stand?
We are asked
this, at times, in a difficult choice between doing what is right. Behind whom
do I stand? Will I get behind Jesus?
Am I
willing to do more than give an opinion, a prediction about the future?
How can I
listen more attentively to Christ who speaks to me through others, through the
community, through our Catholic faith?
Am I
willing to get behind the Lord also?
And, in my
efforts to imitate Jesus, who will people say that I am? [_fin_]
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