Memorial of Saint Dominic, priest
As a disciple of Jesus, we are called to follow Him, however, sometimes knowing exactly what we are being called to do can be a challenge. There may be choices that seem like reasonable options, but I oftentimes stop to consider, “Is this what I want, or what God wants for me?” How do we learn to think like God does or have the mind of Christ?
In the gospel today, Peter professes that Jesus is the Christ. Jesus then goes on to tell the disciples that He will suffer and die before rising. Peter rebukes Jesus for this thinking, since Peter cannot fathom that any harm or evil should impact Jesus. Jesus tells Peter that he is an obstacle, since he is thinking like a human, not like God.
Even Peter, one of Jesus closest apostles, has difficulty understanding the thoughts of God. How are we to begin to find the “mind of Christ” in the midst of our daily living? As I reflect on scripture and our tradition, I think there are a few truths that seem to help. First of all, God’s thoughts and ways completely emanate from the position of love. If we are to think like Christ, then our thoughts will be flowing from the love of God, others, and self. Secondly, Jesus throughout His ministry constantly prays “that all may be one.” Our belief in the Trinity- three Persons in one God- confirms this deep call to unity. To have the mind of Christ is to work towards unity among all things and creation. Finally, as human beings, we must have a position of humility, openness, and faith realizing that it is through the grace of God that we can begin to have a glimpse into the depths of God.
Trying to have the “mind of Christ” helps us as we seek to follow Jesus more closely in our daily lives. When we think and act from a place of love, unity, and God’s grace we are better able share God’s goodness amidst the people we encounter. Through scripture, prayer, sacrament and community, God continues to reveal His thoughts and ways to us. May we with great humility, turn to God believing that God will show us the way to think like Jesus, so we can in turn talk and act like Jesus! AMEN.
—Marylynn Herchline