In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is presented as always on the move and his disciples walk behind him. They always paid much attention to what people said about him. They were sensitive to the praises; they were pleased with the approvals gathered because his success involved them. Yet, even after months of the communion of life with the Master, they failed to grasp his true identity.
Several times in the Gospel, we read that the crowds and the disciples have put the question: “Who is this?” With today’s passage, the central part of the Gospel of Mark begins, in which Jesus reveals the mystery, answers the question on everyone’s mind and shows his true face. The episode is set in the vicinity of Caesarea Philippi (vv. 27-30), the city that Philip, a son of Herod the Great.
Along the way, he addressed the two questions: “Who do people say I am?” And, “Who do you say I am?” The first was easy to answer – it was about the ‘hear-says.’ But for the second, Peter surprised everyone and declared – “You are the Messiah.” The answer was perfect, but the only difference was on the type of the messiah that Peter had in mind. He expects a mighty ruler like David who would free the land of Israel from the foreign opressors and rule the world.
The misconception is total, and for Jesus, the time to correct this dangerous mistake has arrived. Mark wrote his Gospel for the Christians of Rome to invite them to check the reasons that led them to believe in Christ. The misconception in which Peter and the other eleven fell is always looming over all Christian communities. The professions of faith can be impeccable, but the question is what concept of life lie behind these so accurate formulas?
So he reveals his plan of sufferings and death. He is bound to fail; that he will not triumph over those who oppose his plan but that he will be defeated. He does not go to Jerusalem to scare off his enemies but to give them his 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 follow the Master.
On behalf of all, Peter reacts. Not for fear of sacrifices, because we know that he would be willing to risk his life if necessary, but to win, not to lose. He does not feel like committing himself to an absurd project, that leads to failure; that is why he tries to make the Master change his mind.
Jesus’ response to Peter is harsh: “Get behind me, Satan!” (v. 33). He does not intend to turn Peter away from him but to bring him back to the right path. His words do not mean “Go away!” but “Come behind me,” “Stay with me while I give my life.”
For your reflection
What do we think Jesus asks us to do to follow Him? Do we find it difficult to hear His Word?
Father Fernando Torres CMF
www.ciudadredonda.org
Translated by Father Alberto Rossa CMF
