Homily of 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B
First Reading: Isaiah 50:5-9; Second Reading: James 2:14-18; Gospel: Mark 8:27-35
In the tapestry of human life, suffering is a universal thread. No one naturally gravitates toward discomfort or hardship. We crave comfort and avoid anything that disrupts our peace or brings pain. However, life’s journey is inevitably laced with challenges that require sacrifice. It is often said that the road to success is not easily paved but instead marked by perseverance through adversity. From renowned figures like Bill Gates to Philip Emeagwali, the journey to greatness has never been without its share of trials. Their stories reflect a truth: no success, material or spiritual, comes without the cost of sacrifice.
This principle is even more profound in the Christian life. Sacrifices and suffering form an integral part of our spiritual journey, and embracing them can be the key to experiencing God’s presence more deeply. It is in the crucible of adversity that our faith is tested and refined. Christianity, in its essence, calls believers to embrace suffering, not for suffering’s sake, but because it leads to a greater good—union with Christ, who Himself embraced the cross for the salvation of humanity. As we navigate the difficulties of life, we are reminded that God does not abandon us in our suffering. Instead, He walks with us, offering grace and strength in our darkest moments.
The Prophetic Foretelling of the Messiah
The first reading paints a vivid picture of the suffering Messiah. Isaiah, under divine inspiration, foretells the mission of Christ—a mission that would be marked by rejection, opposition, and ultimately, sacrificial death. The Messiah’s ears would be open to the voice of God, and His heart would be attuned to His Father’s will. Yet, this obedience would not come without cost. Humiliation, persecution, and hatred would be His constant companions, all culminating in His death on the cross. But this very suffering would become the pathway to His glory, as highlighted in Luke 24:26, “Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?”
Isaiah’s prophecy offers a glimpse into the heart of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. Through the Messiah’s suffering, liberation would come to the world. This profound mystery—that salvation would come through suffering—is a core truth of the Christian faith. Just as Christ embraced His cross, we too are called to embrace the crosses in our lives, trusting that God’s plan is unfolding even through our pain. The key is not to resist suffering but to recognize its redemptive potential. In our moments of trial, we can take comfort in the fact that Christ has walked the path of suffering before us, and He walks with us still.
Misunderstanding Christ’s Identity
In the Gospel reading, we encounter a striking moment of revelation and confusion regarding Jesus’ identity. Despite the miracles, teachings, and acts of compassion that Jesus had performed, the people around Him struggled to grasp who He truly was. Some believed He was John the Baptist, others thought He might be Elijah or one of the prophets. These various opinions reflected a fundamental misunderstanding of His mission. Jesus, however, turned to His disciples and asked them directly, “Who do you say that I am?” It was Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, who declared, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”
Yet, despite Peter’s profound confession, there remained a disconnect in his understanding of Christ’s mission. When Jesus began to explain that His path as the Messiah would involve suffering, death, and resurrection, Peter recoiled. The idea of a suffering Messiah was unfathomable to him. Like many of his contemporaries, Peter had expected a political savior, one who would overthrow the Roman oppressors and restore Israel’s glory. The concept of a Messiah who would suffer and die seemed contradictory to his expectations. This misunderstanding highlights a common human tendency: we often want God to conform to our expectations rather than submit to His divine plan.
Peter’s Carnal View of Christ’s Mission
Peter’s reaction to Jesus’ revelation about His impending suffering reflects a very human perspective—one that is grounded in self-preservation and avoidance of pain. When Peter rebuked Jesus for speaking about His suffering and death, he was operating from a purely human viewpoint. Jesus’ response was swift and stern: “Get behind me, Satan! You are not thinking as God does, but as humans do.” Peter was not literally Satan, but in that moment, he became a stumbling block, attempting to divert Jesus from His divinely appointed mission.
This exchange serves as a reminder that our human understanding is limited. There are times when our desires and plans may be at odds with God’s will for us. What may seem like suffering or hardship from our perspective could be part of God’s greater plan for our growth and ultimate good. As Proverbs 16:25 warns, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end, it leads to death.” The challenge for us, like Peter, is to align our will with God’s, even when His plans involve suffering. When we submit to God’s purpose, we open ourselves to the transformative power of His grace.
The Cross: A Symbol of Redemption
The cross, an instrument of suffering and death, is paradoxically the ultimate symbol of redemption for Christians. It represents the depth of Christ’s love and His willingness to endure unimaginable pain for the salvation of humanity. Jesus Himself declared that anyone who wishes to follow Him must be willing to take up their cross (Mark 8:34). This call to carry the cross is not merely about enduring hardship; it is about embracing the sacrifices necessary for spiritual growth and transformation.
For Christians, the cross is not just a historical event—it is a daily reality. Each day presents new opportunities to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus. This might involve making sacrifices for the sake of others, enduring personal suffering with patience, or standing firm in our faith despite opposition. The beauty of the cross is that it leads to resurrection. Just as Christ’s suffering was not the end of His story, our suffering, too, is not the end. They are the pathway to new life, both in this world and in the life to come.
Embracing Suffering as a Path to Glory
Throughout the New Testament, we are reminded that suffering is not a detour on the road to glory—it is part of the journey. St. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, writes, “If we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings so that we may also share in His glory” (Romans 8:17). This verse encapsulates the Christian understanding of suffering: it is a necessary part of the process of becoming more like Christ and sharing in His glory.
For those who follow Christ, suffering is not something to be feared or avoided. Instead, it is an opportunity to participate in the redemptive work of Christ. The early Christians, including St. Paul, understood this well. They faced persecution, imprisonment, and even death with the confidence that their sufferings were not in vain. Their willingness to endure hardships for the sake of the gospel is a testament to the power of God’s grace at work in their lives. We, too, are called to embrace suffering with faith, trusting that God will use it for our good and His glory.
Personal Testimonies of Suffering and Grace
Personal experiences of suffering can often serve as powerful testimonies to God’s grace and faithfulness. Permit me to share my journey of enduring multiple physical injuries and life-threatening illnesses on my path to the priesthood. From a young age, I faced serious accidents and injuries, including broken ribs and severe leg injuries. These physical challenges continued into my adult life, culminating in a near-death experience in 2016 when I suffered from pneumonia. Yet, through all these trials, I remained steadfast in my faith, trusting in God’s grace to carry me through.
My story is a testament to the truth that God is always present in our sufferings. Even when the pain seems unbearable, God’s grace is sufficient. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, the Lord tells St. Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” This promise is not just for St. Paul or myself, Fr. Ben—it is for all Christians. When we place our trust in God during times of suffering, we can experience His strength in ways that we never could have imagined. Our trials, though painful, can become opportunities for deeper faith and greater intimacy with God.
Misconceptions About Suffering in Christianity
One of the most pervasive misconceptions about suffering in the Christian faith is the belief that it is always a sign of God’s displeasure or a result of some curse. This misunderstanding has led many Christians to seek deliverance from suffering through prayer houses or prosperity teachings that promise a life free of hardship. However, this view is not in line with the teachings of Scripture. Jesus Himself warned His disciples that they would face tribulation in the world (John 16:33), but He also assured them that He had overcome the world.
It is essential to recognize that suffering is not always a punishment or a sign of spiritual failure. In fact, it can often be a sign of God’s refining work in our lives. Like gold that must be purified in the fire, our faith is strengthened and purified through the trials we endure. Instead of viewing suffering as something to be avoided at all costs, we should seek to understand what God might be teaching us through it. Sometimes, God allows suffering to draw us closer to Him, to refine our character, or to prepare us for greater service in His kingdom.
The Purpose of Suffering in Christian Life
Suffering, though painful, has a purpose in the life of a believer. It is a tool that God uses to shape us into the image of Christ. Just as a sculptor chisels away at a block of marble to reveal a beautiful statue, God uses the trials and difficulties we face to refine our character and deepen our faith. In James 1:2-4, we are encouraged to “consider it pure joy” when we face trials because the testing of our faith produces perseverance. This perseverance, in turn, leads to maturity and completeness in our spiritual lives.
The analogy of gold being refined in a furnace is often used to describe the process of spiritual growth through suffering. Just as gold must go through intense heat to remove impurities, our faith is purified through the challenges we face. It is in the furnace of affliction that we learn to trust God more fully, to rely on His strength rather than our own, and to grow in our understanding of His love and faithfulness. While the process is often painful, the result is a faith that is stronger, purer, and more resilient.
Love and Sacrifice: The Essence of Christianity
At the heart of Christianity is the call to love, and true love always involves sacrifice. Jesus demonstrated the ultimate act of love by laying down His life for the salvation of humanity. In John 15:13, He said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” This sacrificial love is the model for all Christians to follow. We are called to lay down our desires, comforts, and even our lives for the sake of others.
Sacrifice is the language of love, and without it, love loses its meaning. This is why suffering and sacrifice are so integral to the Christian life. They are expressions of our love for God and others. When we endure hardships for the sake of the gospel, we are participating in the sacrificial love of Christ. This kind of love is not always easy, but it is what defines authentic Christianity. Without the cross, there is no crown. Without sacrifice, there is no love. And without love, there is no true Christianity.
Practical Christianity: Faith in Action
In the second reading, St. James reminds us that faith without works is dead. True faith is not just a matter of intellectual belief or theological knowledge—it must be lived out through compassionate action. St. James challenges us to demonstrate our faith by serving others, particularly those in need. This is what it means to live out our faith in practical ways.
Faith in action is the hallmark of authentic Christianity. It is not enough to simply profess belief in Christ; we must also follow His example by serving those in need. Whether it is through acts of charity, offering a listening ear to someone who is struggling, or providing for the basic needs of the less fortunate, our faith comes alive when it is put into action. As Christians, we are called to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world, bringing His love and compassion to those who are hurting.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the readings and the message of suffering, we are reminded that the cross is not something to be feared but something to be embraced. Jesus Christ Himself bore the cross out of love for us, and He calls us to do the same. When we carry our crosses with patience and trust in God’s grace, we become more like Christ and participate in His redemptive work.
The Christian journey is not always easy, but it is filled with the promise of God’s grace and the hope of eternal life. As we bear the crosses that come our way—whether they be physical, emotional, or spiritual—we can do so with joy, knowing that God is always with us. His grace is sufficient, and His love will sustain us through every trial. Let us, therefore, take up our crosses daily and follow Him, confident that through our suffering, we will experience the glory of His resurrection.
PRAYER
I pray that by the Power of the Holy Spirit, may the Grace of God be sufficient for you in your difficulties or sufferings, and at the end, may you gain eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Peace of Christ be with you…
Rev. Fr. Benjamin Okala, C.S.Sp.
