https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/091524.cfm
Identity – Who Are You?
Identity theft is a big problem today. Companies are constantly trying to keep ahead of thieves.
There is another identity far more important than the information we have about ourselves and our bank accounts. It’s the person we are in God’s eyes.
St. Paul writes to the Ephesians, “By the power of the Holy Spirit, may you come to know your hidden self.” Jesus wanted to reveal His hidden self to the disciples. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered through the grace of the Holy Spirit, “You are the Christ.”
So, Jesus told them what “the Christ” meant; to suffer, be killed, and rise from the dead. Then Peter responded without the help of the Holy Spirit,” This can’t happen to you.”
Jesus calls Peter Satan or the Tempter, the one who keeps us from knowing Jesus and knowing ourselves. Like securities that protect our personal identity from being stolen and abused, the cross of Jesus protects us from Satan stealing God’s Presence from our hearts.
Our daily crosses have the potential to cleanse and write in our hearts, “We are disciples of Jesus. They help us see what is essential in our lives and Who is most important.
We see this discipleship daily in the faithful love of spouses, priests, and religious to their vocations. We see it in the attention and care given to an ailing parent and sick children, in the countless hours given to charitable causes, and especially in the volunteers who sacrifice so much for victims of hurricanes – people they never met.
It will call us to give of ourselves, sometimes heroically but always selflessly. Embracing these crosses in love becomes a joy to bear. In no uncertain terms, Satan is adios, out of here, for he cannot be present to sacrificial love.
It reminds him of the Love Jesus has for us from His Cross in every celebration of the Holy Mass. It has the power to save us and others. Lovingly unite any cross you may be carrying with his cross while saying, “Get behind me Satan.”
Satan runs from the cross because the one who was crucified on it bore it with a perfect love for us. By His grace, we can love anyone and everyone with the same perfect love. This is our true identity.
Gospel Challenge:
Pray every day thoughtfully in the Our Father, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil so we can love like You. Amen.
Love Your Neighbor
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
