XXIV SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Mark 8:27-35
In the history of the Church, the Reformation, brought about by Luther, came as a break from the past, introducing new ideas and a new rule of belief. Moved by a deep desire to be assured of salvation, Luther proclaimed that we are saved by grace alone and by faith alone, having Scripture alone as the basis for our theological understanding and the rule of faith for our lives. Surely, Saint Paul affirms clearly what is easy to see: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ep 2:8-9). And to the Romans, he wrote: “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him,
we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Ro 5:1-2) Paul makes it clear that we cannot be saved without believing: “For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” (Ro 3:28) And we must ask: what does it mean to believe? Faith implies a relationship of love with Jesus Christ. We answer his call and accept his invitation, being ready to become his disciples and follow his footsteps. Surely, we have to say with Peter: “You are the Christ.” You are the Son of the living God. And this profession of faith has to lead us to take our cross and follow Jesus. Faith demands and implies a commitment to love Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the life.
It is always dangerous to do what Luther did, that is, to take a verse from the Bible and make it the basis of our understanding of salvation. The same Paul wrote to the Galatians: “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.” (Gal 5:6). And we cannot forget that from the three theological virtues “the greatest of these is love.” (1 Co 13:13). In his merciful love, God has adopted us as his children, thus calling us to be perfect as He is perfect (Mt 5:48).
“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ep 5:1-2)
“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.” (Ro 13:14)
“… for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptised into Christ have put on Christ”. (Gal 3:26-27)
You must “put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ep 4:22-24)
Faith implies much more than to say I believe. It demands a holistic approach leading to discipleship and a new self. In Christ, we become a new creation (2 Co 5:17).
In the second reading, James states what is obvious: Faith alone without the behaviour of a true disciple is dead and cannot save us. In the gospel, Peter affirms his faith openly and in front of others. Yet, immediately after recognising his proclamation of faith, Jesus scolded him because he did not have the faithful attitude of a true disciple. May the Lord grant us His Spirit to make us true disciples who are ready to follow Jesus.
