By: By Sharon Priester

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 23

Zechariah 12:10-11; 13:1; Psalm 63:2,3-4,5-6,8-9; Galatians 3:26-29; Luke 9:18-24

This week’s Gospel is part of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee. Luke tells us how Jesus ministered to the people as he traveled through Galilee after being baptized in the Jordan River. Since he was known for his teaching in the synagogue, news of his return quickly spread. Wherever he went, he cured and healed people and pardoned sinners. As people gathered around him, he taught them about God, his Father.

When he was at Lake Gennesaret, teaching the crowds, he met Simon and the other fishermen, who, after listening to him, began to follow him from place to place. The number of followers grew. Eventually, Jesus chose 12 faithful followers from this group to be his apostles. As they continued their journey through Galilee, the apostles’ knowledge of God grew, as well as their faith.

One day, after Jesus had prayed, he asked the apostles, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” Having been among the crowds, some replied, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.'” (Luke 9:18-19) Wanting to see if they knew who he was and what his mission was, he asked, “But who do you say that I am?” Quickly, Peter responded, “The Christ of God,” the long awaited one, the Messiah. Fearing that this would lead to misunderstandings by others, “Jesus rebuked them and directed them not to tell this to anyone.”

Predicting his passion and death for the very first time, Jesus told the apostles, “The Son of Man must suffer and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed and on the third day be raised.” (Luke 9:22)

Jesus also outlined the conditions for these men to be true disciples: “If anyone wishes to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” (Luke 9:23-24)
Not only will Jesus suffer, but so will the apostles. Discipleship will be costly. It will entail denying one’s self, sacrifice and perseverance.

TAKING UP OUR CROSS
The apostles were witnesses to all that “Christ of God” did on earth, along with his death, burial and resurrection. Before he ascended into heaven, Jesus, the Son of God, commissioned the apostles to “Go . . . and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20) Now we are called to do the same.
What is your response to his question, “Who do you say that I am?” The apostles denied themselves and took up their crosses. How can you deny yourselves and take up your cross daily?

It begins by saying “no” to yourself, and then reaching out to others in love. We can share our faith and love of God with others. We can reach out to the sick, elderly, homeless and all people in need. Perhaps it will be difficult. How can you carry the “difficult” cross with ease? Maybe it will make you feel uncomfortable. Are you able to go out beyond your comfort zone? How can you carry the “uncomfortable” cross?

In the second reading for this Sunday, Paul says because of our faith, we are all children of God. Our differences are unimportant. In Galatians 3:28 he reminds us: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

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SHARON PRIESTER has served as a parish catechist and director of religious education, Bible study leader, RCIA team member and coordinator, and regional director of religious education for the Diocese of Peoria. She is a member of Holy Trinity Parish in Bloomington.