Glory be to Jesus Christ!
Get behind me Satan! There are some of the strongest words uttered against someone by our Lord in all the gospels- period! It only appears even more harsh considering the fact that it comes a few verses after Peter correctly identifies who the Lord really is.
And yet, it shouldn’t surprise us. Satan tested Jesus in the wilderness with the same temptations- why suffer when you can rule these kingdoms? Why the cross and death? Throw Yourself down and reveal who you are and be done with it!
What our Lord is telling us in this gospel is that His mission is our mission, and so too are His temptations our temptations. “You are not mindful of the things of God, but of the things of man.” It is so easy, brothers and sisters, to be sidetracked, to stumble over a block without even knowing it, and be following other priorities. The Lord’s path requires suffering and death, there is no real love without pain or sacrifice. If we think we have found a path to love without pain we have simply found a path away from Him.
Today, take a few minutes to sit and reflect on the priorities of your life. Be specific and write them out. Where are you avoiding suffering? Is it an indication of not wanting to face the cross? Only through the cross will we live and reign with Him.
Glory be to Jesus Christ!
