Homily – September 12, 2021 – 24^th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Rev. James L. Nadeau, Pastor

I.) People are afraid of the devil. In stories and movies, the devil takes over souls and causes suffering. The reality is that we should not fear direct confrontation with the devil. The only power the devil has is to tempt. In fact, the word, Satan is defined as “Tempter.”

This is why Jesus speaks so harshly to Peter. Peter is trying to save his friend by trying to dissuade Jesus from going to Jerusalem and certain death. Jesus was tempted to listen, tempted by the voice of a friend. And the temptation was a powerful one: avoid the cross, suffering, and death.

II.) Jesus is our model. The cross is a ladder to Heaven. That is why Jesus said in the Gospel reading . . . for Christians, the cross is obligatory for all spiritual life. Paradoxically, it is the path of Love – no greater Love. We cannot pass directly from the Incarnation to the Resurrection. Between the two, there is the Passion, the Cross, and Death.

III.) To welcome the cross into our life is to draw from it, the strength that goes beyond our weakness, and through it, to enter into the light of life. The trials we experience are no longer felt to be barriers that cut us off from God, but rather can help transform our lives.

Everything in life (good or bad) is pregnant with Divine purpose.

Love of the Cross is the vaccine that protects one against true failure and guarantees serenity.