TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
20 FEBRUARY, 2025
Mark 8:27-33
Jesus and his disciples set out
for the villages of Caesarea Philippi.
Along the way he asked his disciples,
“Who do people say that I am?”
They said in reply,
“John the Baptist, others Elijah,
still others one of the prophets.”
And he asked them,
“But who do you say that I am?”
Peter said to him in reply,
“You are the Christ.”
Then he warned them not to tell anyone about him.
He began to teach them
that 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.
He spoke this openly.
Then Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.
At this he turned around and, looking at his disciples,
rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan.
You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.”
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
In this passage, Jesus asks His disciples, “Who do people say I am?” and then challenges them directly, “But who do you say I am?” Peter, inspired, confesses that Jesus is the Christ, yet moments later, he rebukes Jesus for speaking of His coming suffering. Jesus, in turn, rebukes Peter, saying, “Get behind me, Satan!”
This passage reminds us that faith is not just about recognizing who Jesus is but also about accepting His path, even when it involves suffering and sacrifice. Like Peter, we may struggle to understand God’s ways, wanting an easier road. But true discipleship means trusting in God’s wisdom, not our own expectations.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Help us to recognize You not only in moments of glory but also in times of suffering. Teach us to trust in Your plan, even when it is difficult to understand. Give us the humility to surrender our will to Yours and the courage to follow You faithfully. Amen
