The major symbol of our faith is the Cross. The Cross is made when a horizontal beam and a vertical beam meet, causing a conflict.
Crosses come into our lives. Sometimes these crosses are the direct result of striving to do what is just and right.
In the first reading, Jeremiah the prophet is praying, pouring out his heart to God, whom he blames for all his heartaches. Jeremiah was called to be a prophet.
Prophets do not tell the future. Prophets speak the truth to power structures. Prophets ask questions and often challenge the status quo. Prophets seek to help people return to faithfulness and truth. Jeremiah did as God wanted.
The Reality of the Cross
In Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus tells the Apostles that He will suffer and die in Jerusalem. Peter, who in last Sunday’s Gospel confesses Jesus as Christ, or the Messiah, will not hear such talk. Just the mention of the word “cross” is enough to send Peter and the disciples running in the opposite direction.
Remember: Peter and the disciples knew exactly what the cross meant. They saw crucifixion in their lifetime. For us, the symbol of the cross has become too easy to observe. It has been sterilized. The reality is too much to even imagine.
The cross in the ancient Roman world was a sign of suffering, humiliation, and defeat.
The Cost of Discipleship
“I have done all the right things, and I am still suffering.”
I cannot tell you how often I have heard the above quote. If you were doing the right things and did not meet with opposition, I would be concerned.
To be a disciple of Christ means seeking to speak the truth when all others are reacting too emotionally. Disciples seek to face the deep-seated truth about themselves rather than judging the motives of others. Discipleship means asking oneself, as well as others, questions that lead to truth.
Discipleship means recognizing God-given human dignity out of love for all humanity. Humanity reflects God.
When others are speaking about white supremacy, the disciple of Christ must speak about the God-given dignity of each person, regardless of race, color, creed, or orientation. When others are seeking to exercise superiority over those whom they deem of lesser quality, the disciple speaks prophetically by addressing truth to power.
In each of these cases, those who love enough to speak out for truth will face opposition. This is just as Jesus has said.
Let us rejoice.
Msgr. Guy A. Massie
Sunday, August 30, 2026
Sunday Readings
