Daily Reflections- February 16, 2012

A MYSTERY MIX

 

Peter is an interesting character, not only because he was the one chosen by Jesus to be the head of His group after He is gone, but because he is very much like us. Today’s reading shows how Peter is a mixture in his actions. Earlier in the Gospel the Lord commended him for giving the true and proper answer to His question: “Who do you say that I am?” A few moments later,  Jesus rebuked him, referring to him as “Satan” (literal translation: obstacle).

Such is our life and experience in this world. Our days are a constant struggle between good and evil. As we move from event to event, from choice to choice, there are times when we progress and move on right ahead. But there are moments that we regress and we fall short of our past actions.

Jesus Himself gives us a good hint on how to face the realities of this “worldly mix” that we and creation are subject to. Jesus tells Peter, “For you are not on the side of God but of men.” Savoring these words of the Lord brings us to these realizations:

1. We need to constantly and continuously discern. There are no grey areas: either we move with God, or away from God. Every point needs to be examined.

2. We need to be cautious about what is humanly good. It’s true that we are made in God’s image and likeness, but not all our ways are God’s. Selfishness and distorted thoughts are behind some human motivations. Be cautious about the suggestions of our human intelligence and heart.

3. We must never presume. Many times, Jesus had taken Peter into some confidential mission and he must have enjoyed the unique privilege. However, he too failed, like here in Caesarea Philippi and during the Passion of Jesus in Jerusalem. He denied and abandoned the Lord. We should never be too self-confident, but instead nourish ourselves with prayer and humility, begging God’s Spirit to guide even the simplest acts that we do. Fr. Domie Guzman, SSP

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: What are your own experiences of inner conflicts and contradictions in life? How do you manage to go through these?

 

Lord Jesus, help me to be more aware of my motivations for all my actions and decisions.