THURSDAY AUGUST 8, 2024
THURSDAY OF THE EIGHTEENTH WEEK OF THE ORDINARY TIME B
ST DOMINIC, P. (MEMORIAL)
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Matthew 16:13-23
THE NEED FOR ONGOING FAITH FORMATION IN CHRISTIAN LIFE
It was like a mid session test, to be sure that the teachings are sinking well into the lives and experiences of his disciples, Jesus had to examine their knowledge and understanding of himself by his disciples. He wanted to know if his message of salvation is understood not only by the people he was preaching to but also by his closest disciples.
Who do the people say I am? And who do you say I am? These same questions can form our reflection today to ascertain our own understanding and knowledge of Christ. Have we gotten a good knowledge of Jesus Christ. Do we actually follow him well and willing to abide in his teaching because of our grounded knowledge of him?
When Peter answered on behalf of the Disciples, he demonstrated a seemingly well formed knowledge of Jesus. And Jesus praised him and acknowledge the fact that it was not flesh and blood that revealed this to him but his Father in heaven. But Peter, even though he had a fair knowledge of Jesus was still not full and certain. Because when Jesus explained further to him what he said, that the son of man must suffer, be crucified, die and be raised in the third day, Peter snapped and rebuked Jesus for saying such.
This means that Peter’s knowledge of Jesus was not full. It was still shallow, very elementary, still not deep!!! What a tragedy!!! That Jesus began to rebuke Peter again, Get behind me Satan!!! Swallow knowledge of the faith can be disastrous, dangerous and evil.
Many of us are guilty of this also. We lack knowledge of Jesus and the worse still is that we fail to seek greater knowledge of Jesus. We tend to be satisfy with our half baked knowledge of Jesus. And it continues to affect our lives, our followership and our commitment to the Christian life and ideals. Half and half baked knowledge of Jesus limits us, Makes us susceptible to any wave of doctrine, deceptive teachings, confusions and false beliefs.
Many pursue illicit practices, engage in errors and illegality. Many assume themselves masters of the liturgy and concoct rites against the theology, spirit and practice of the church. Many priests and religious leaders lead their flock to serious errors and syncretic practices. Wrong teaching are taught and evil intentions is fostered.
The need to imbibe the right teaching is therefore called for. As the key to heaven is given to those who have the right knowledge, following the right teachings and doctrines and leads to life eternal. Conversely, wrong teaching and practices leads to satanic practices and doom.
We must use the various means of learning and knowledge to imbibe the right teachings and identity of Jesus. Our liturgical celebration and attendance to Mass, reflection and meditation on the word of God, retreats and seminars, reading the Church documents and teachings are veritable means and ways to understand the person of Jesus to be able to acquire greater knowledge and understanding of him.
The tendency of thinking that when we acquire or receive the sacraments of baptism, Holy communion and confirmation and add to it the marriage or matrimony, then we automatically become immune to teaching and are exempted from catechism teachings, masses and retreats. This is a totally wrong idea and practice so prevalent in the Catholic Church. But pertinent to know that when we begin to know more about Jesus is when we earnestly search for him, in solitude, in scriptures, in liturgical celebrations, in works of Charity and in the documents of the Church. Then we can be certain that we are on the right course. And this knowledge is not a one time affair rather it is an unfolding, a revealing, and a life time journey of faith.
Seek therefore to know more each day and never get tire of knowing the persons of Jesus who continues to unfold and reveal himself to us. Knowledge of Jesus’ identity leads us to greater commitment and happiness.
God our Father, you desire that we daily understand the mission and person of Christ our Lord. For in this is our life, our joy and our happiness. Help us to overcome laxity, half baked knowledge of Jesus and the church. May we be enabled to seek on daily basis to know Jesus, walk along with him, follow his ways, and gain the keys of eternal habitation as promised Peter through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Fr Norbert Uchuno
