Readings: Genesis 11:1-9, Ps. 33:10-15, Mark 8:34-9:1
“Then they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves; otherwise, we shall be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.’” (Genesis 11:4)
- Having been created in the image and likeness of God, there is an element of God in every human being. We have what it takes to imagine, speak forth creation, control and dominate nature's forces. However, we remain limited creatures. The story of the Tower of Babel is a warning against unchecked ambition (desire to be like God).
- The people who built this tower wanted to “make a name for themselves”. They were not building the tower to solve housing problems or help anyone; they wanted to be known and worshipped. This explains why Jesus never worked any miracle for self-glorification. All his miracles were aimed at helping people in need. Are you working hard to improve the world or trying to make a name for yourself (challenge God’s authority)?
In 1912, a company known as the White Star Line built the Titanic. They claimed the ship was “practically unsinkable” due to its state-of-the-art design and safety features. The Titanic was touted as the most luxurious and technologically advanced ship in the world, earning it the nickname “the Ship of Dreams.”
- A famous quote often attributed to the Titanic’s builder, Harland and Wolff, or its captain, Edward Smith, boasts that “God himself could not sink this ship.” The ship struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic Ocean around 11:40 pm on April 14, 1912, and it sank approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes later, at 2:20 am on April 15, 1912. Over 1500 lives were lost. The Titanic remains a cautionary tale about the danger of challenging God.
- The Psalmist says: “The fool says in his heart, ‘there is no God.’” (Ps.14:1). Regardless of your level of education, do not assume that God does not exist. Your intelligence, creativity, and expertise are gifts from God. You can never become wiser or stronger than God, who gave you these gifts.
- In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus warns against following the easy road. He says: “If you want to be my disciple, discipline yourself, pick up your cross, and come after me.” These words were part of Jesus’ response to Peter when he tried to make Jesus abandon His plan of suffering and death for our salvation. Jesus said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan,” because only the devil would attempt to discourage Him from the cross.
- We all desire an easy life, but the truth is that “ease is a greater threat to progress than hardship.” (Denzel Washington). Do not be afraid of embracing hardship, especially when it aims to achieve something good. Do not shy away from the cross. If you are ashamed to identify with Jesus in this world, Jesus would be ashamed of you in heaven. If you desire to true bliss tomorrow, embrace suffering today. The choice is yours to make, whether to follow the beatitudes or to disregard God and face the consequences.
- Jesus’ words can also be applied to other aspects of human life. The saying goes, "The way you make your bed, so will you lie on it.” As a parent, do not pamper your children too much; teach them the importance of suffering at an early age. Shielding them from every form of pain during their formative years may postpone their days of suffering.
- Studies have shown that children who do house chores develop higher self-esteem and problem-solving skills and cope with stress as adults. It is better to invest “in” your children than to invest “for” them. If you are proud of how you came from nothing, do not deny your children the opportunity to face the hardships that made you strong today.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, grant us a deeper sense of humility. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Friday of week 6 in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Genesis 11:1-9, Ps. 33:10-15, Mark 8:34-9:1).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu