Gospel Reading for the Second Sunday of Lent: Year B
Mark 8: 31 to 38
“But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God’s purposes, but on man’s.” (Mark 8: 33)
This is a popular quote from the Gospel. It is often used when people sense that they are being tempted to do something immoral or selfish.
In this Gospel reading our Lord Jesus goes on to talk about putting others before self. He talks about self-denial. This is not self-denial in order to boast about it, but rather, it is the personal habit of ensuring your brothers and sisters have what they need as you trust that they are looking out after you and your needs as well. This then is harmonious living. It is living in love as God in Christ Jesus meant for us to have. It is God’s purpose for us.
Jesus is saying that if we live our lives in loving care for others, God will make sure our lives are not lost. God ensures that we who care for others before ourselves will be eternally in a place where all souls practice this way of everlasting life. “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it:” (Mark 8: 35).
The lesson here is simple. God made us social creatures. He did not make us to be kings and queens over our brothers and sisters. Jesus came among us to model this equality dream and purpose of God for us. Even Jesus came among us to serve rather than to be served.
So yes, we must from time to time endure hardships. We will, in our Christian walk, be uncomfortable sometimes. But when it is suggested that we not experience a little hardship or discomfort to help those in need, we too must say, “Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God’s purposes, but on man’s.”
Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, and our schools.
As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and serve, and to teach others to love and serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
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