Thursday, 20 February 2025. Readings: Genesis 9:1-13, Ps. 102:16-21,29,22-23, Mark 8:27-33
“But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are not on the side of God, but of men.” (Mark 8:33)
- If you have been duped before by a trickster, then you have just experienced a tiny percentage of satan’s deceptive abilities. Satan is a master of disguise; he never shows his true colours. He comes either as a close friend or a good adviser; sometimes, he tempts us through those we hold in high esteem. This is exactly what plays out in today’s Gospel passage.
- In Caesarea Philippi, Jesus asked his disciples what people were saying about him. Only Peter gave the correct answer: “You are the Christ.” Matthew’s account tells us that Jesus was so excited by Peter’s response that He immediately pronounced Peter the first Pope. “You are Peter, and on this Rock, I build my Church.” (Matthew 16:18). “
Shockingly, a few moments later, we hear Jesus saying to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan…” Was Jesus speaking to Peter as a person? No. Rather, Jesus addressed the deceiver directly, who, at this moment, was speaking through Peter. Having been given the keys to the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 16:19), Satan, in his craftiness, sought to use this opportunity to discourage Jesus from the Cross.
- Is it possible for satan to speak through a man of God? Yes. The question is not whether it can happen but whether you will be able to sift between the voice of the person and the voice of the devil. This is why we all need to pray for the gift of discernment (the ability to distinguish between spirits).
- In today’s first reading, we come to the end of Noah’s story. We see how God made a covenant with him and blessed him with the same blessing that Adam and Eve received. New humanity was about to begin. A covenant is an agreement between two parties. Will this new humanity under Noah remain faithful to the terms and conditions of this covenant?
- With Noah, God started afresh. Do not be afraid of starting afresh. We pray in the Stations of the Cross: “My Lord, after a moment’s rest, you took off again and staggered on. I can do the same because my will is mine. When all my strength is gone, guilt and self-reproach press me to earth, and it seems to hold me fast when I am pressed down by the consideration that I am of a fallen race. Protect me from the sin of Judas. Save me from despair. Lord, never let me feel that any sin of mine is greater than your love. No matter what my past has been. I can begin anew.” When you start anew, you are not starting from nothing but from experience.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, open our spiritual senses to recognise Satan, the tempter, so that we may never fall for his tricks. 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. (Thursday of week 6 in Ordinary Time, Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Genesis 9:1-13, Ps. 102:16-21,29,22-23, Mark 8:27-33).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu