Then (Jesus) began to teach them that the Son of Man must undergo great suffering and be rejected by the elders, the Chief Priests and the Scribes and be killed and after three days rise again” (Mark 8:31).
Most people don’t like to hear bad news. When they do, they often respond in different ways. Some will deny it, even when presented with evidence which proves that it is true. Others will attempt to distance themselves from the negative impact it is expected to have on their lives. A few will try to change it even when this is impossible. Finally, there are individuals who will accept it and make the best of their new situation.
In this text from Mark, Jesus tells
his disciples he will experience suffering, rejection and death at the hands of
the religious authorities in Jerusalem. By doing so, he reveals the bad news
about his future then deals with the negative response of Peter to it.
Peter’s recognition of Jesus as “the
Messiah” probably resulted from a number of positive messages heard by the
apostle. Christ’s initial proclamation of the arrival of God’s Kingdom and the
need for repentance and belief in the Good News gave hope to many Jews during the
Roman occupation. His teachings on the Jewish Law challenged traditional
practices and beliefs upheld by religious authorities who were often viewed as
corrupt. His miracles relieved the suffering of ordinary people and made God’s
presence real for them. His exorcisms demonstrated his divine power. The
Messiah was the one anointed by God who would bring about a deeper relationship
between Him and His people. Jesus announced the Good News for which the Jewish
people had long awaited. Yet, along with this good news came some bad news. The
defeat of evil was only possible if all its power was opposed in a final confrontation.
Repression, corruption, suffering and illness were all the result of sin. Other
sins like betrayal, denial, perjury and injustice were in the background. Only after
these sins were overcome by a lived witness of love and truth could they be defeated.
This was the bad news to which Peter objected. His rebuke was part denial and
part rejection and required a harsh response from Jesus. It would only be on
Easter morning that Peter would learn this bad news contained within it good
news.
During this Covid 19 Pandemic we
have often heard good news followed by bad news in rapid succession. Just as
vaccines became available, there were problems with their production and distribution.
As the number of vaccinated people grew significantly, news about the Delta
Variant (a new form of the virus) was made public. The hopes of those raised by
the good news was soon deflated by the bad news. This experience has led many individuals
to feel exhausted and hopeless. It has also caused some of them to lose faith
in medical experts, ignore measures to stop the spread of the virus or develop
their own remedies to fight it with no scientific evidence they will work. Yet,
for Catholics and other people of faith, good news and bad news are always joined
together. Trusting in God usually leads one down a road full of potholes.
Sacrifices often come with a higher cost than expected. Discipleship almost
guarantees persecution. The Good News of Easter required the bad news of the Cross.
It is hard to remember the Eternal Life which awaits us when the present one is
filled with fear and anxiety. Peter’s example is easy to follow. Christ’s reply
warns us against doing so. The good news is the bad news will only triumph if
we let it.
Like most people, I don’t really
like to hear bad news. However, when it comes I have to choose how to respond
to it. I could deny it, distance myself from it or try to change it even when I
cannot do so. Or I could decide to accept it and trust God will help me to deal
with it.
September 12, 2021
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