The Places At Table (Lk 14:7-11)
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, let me see suffering as a part of your saving plan for me.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus trying to explain his future suffering to his disciples.
Context:
Peter has just proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah. Because of his faith, Jesus has given to Peter the keys of the Kingdom of God. Now, Jesus explains that he will be a suffering Messiah. Peter cannot accept this. Jesus rebukes him for his all-too-human thinking.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
From that time on, Jesus began to show the disciples that he must go to Jerusalem, to suffer many things from the elders, the scribes, the chief priests and to be put to death and raised up on the third day.
Peter, taking him aside, began to rebuke him, saying, “Lord, no such thing will ever happen to you.” Turning to Peter, Jesus said, “Get behind me, Satan, you are a scandal to me. You are not thinking as God does, but as human beings do.”
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
- Having revealed his identity as the Messiah, Jesus must also reveal his sufferings.
- None of the disciples believe that Jesus will suffer.
- Peter goes even further, claiming that these events just won’t happen. He even rebukes Jesus.
- Peter does not grasp the Kingdom. He becomes a scandal and an obstacle.
- Peter totally overlooks Jesus’ promise that he would be raised on the third day.
- Jesus wanted his disciples “to think as God does”. They all fail this test.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- Jesus, you want to reveal everything to me, even the secrets of your heart.
- I claim to be your disciple, but I reject suffering, the cross and persecution.
- I grasp so little. Help me to understand.
- Prepare me, Jesus. Teach me the mystery of suffering for you.
- I will accept the cross. In this way, I will rise with you.
- Open my eyes. Even your crosses are blessings planned for me.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will try to think as God does.
+ I will unite today’s hardships with Jesus’ sufferings.
Thought For The Day: (To recall your meditation.)
Jesus showed the disciples that he must suffer many things.