Fr. Bob’s Weekly Reflections

We hear Jesus issue some harsh directives in our Gospel reading today. He tells us if our hands and feet cause us to sin, to cut them off. If our eyes cause us to sin, then gouge them out. Does He realize how physically painful this would be to us?

If I asked you to describe a successful person, most would think of income and wealth. Success often means financial prosperity in our society. However, in today's Church, we consider a different perspective. Jesus, the greatest expert on life, saw success differently.

Today's Gospel presents an intriguing question: "Who do you say that I am?" Have you ever tried to answer that? Throughout history, countless people have offered their interpretations of Jesus.

Jesus often performed miracles in simple yet profound ways. We see Him healing with just a touch or a word, saying, “Be cured. Your faith has made you whole.”

There is an ancient epic poem that many of us studied in school called "Beowulf." The tale recounts the adventures of a warrior who battles monsters threatening to destroy lands and kill people because their joy disturbs the creature. Ultimately, the warrior triumphs.

The question posed in this morning’s Gospel is one that every generation of believers must confront: will you also go away?

I once stayed at the Intercontinental Hotel in Colombia. It was a well-guarded oasis amidst a bustling area filled with poverty and drug addiction. Inside, it was safe, bright, and comfortable.

Imagine a close friend hasn’t returned your calls for three days. Knowing they’re struggling, you go to their house. You find no response to your knock, and use a hidden key to enter.

Have you ever been hungry for something but couldn’t quite identify what it was? Maybe you’ve seen enticing ads on TV, gone to the refrigerator, and found yourself staring at various items, feeling a sense of hunger - but not for the melon or the chicken in front of you. Or perhaps you’ve felt a thirst for something, but couldn’t pinpoint what it was?

It has been two thousand years since Philip and Andrew from our Gospel story walked this earth, but we all know people just like them.