Scripture:
Numbers 20:1-13
Matthew 16:13-23
Reflection:
Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to rebuke him,
‘God forbid, Lord! No such thing shall ever happen to you.’
He turned and said to Peter,
‘Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me.
You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.’
-Matthew 16:22-23
Today I am off to a community meeting where we will hear from a speaker about our human rights. As one of the organizers of this event, I will try to create an environment where true dialogue can take place, where each person, whether online or in person, is respected and has an opportunity to voice their opinions. Together, we hope to draw up a plan of action that reflects a way that is healthy for all of God’s creation: for Mother Earth, for all women and men, and for life we are not yet aware of. My job will be to set up the room and manage the technology. I will report on that experience, sharing it on YouTube, and hope that Jesus will say: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
When I was younger, I dreamed of doing great deeds. Someday I would make lots of money and then with that money, I would solve the problems of homelessness, hunger, making sure every man, woman, child, Black, Brown, Yellow, Red and White would be recognized for the beautiful gifts they are. Today, at the end of each day, I am just happy if I didn’t get in the way of God’s action in the world, and that Jesus wouldn’t say to me as he did to Peter: “Get behind me, Satan!”
God, help me proclaim Your Good News today. Deliver me from self and help me follow You on the road of transformative suffering.
Dan O’Donnell is a Passionist Partner and a longtime friend of the Passionists. He lives in Chicago, Illinois.