Sunday Synopsis: Dangers of a Cross-less Christianity!

24^th Sunday of the Year, B – September 15, 2024.

Readings: Isaiah 50:5-9; Ps 114:1-6,8-9; James 2:14-18; Gospel – Mark 8:27-35.

The first reading presents the suffering servant as one who accepts suffering, pain, and humiliation without complain. In the second reading, St. James maintains that salvation is tied to both faith and works. The Gospel reading reveals Jesus’ teaching about the cost of discipleship and the call to embrace Christianity of the Cross. We are challenged to avoid the dangers of embracing a cross-less Christianity by adoring Christ both in the crib and on the cross.

Introduction

506 years after the Protestant Reformation, the Church is still wrestling with folks who insist on embracing a cross-less Christianity. Some Christians adore the Crib of Bethlehem but abhor the Cross of Calvary. In today’s liturgy, Jesus clears our doubts by setting the records right – There is no other way than the road of the cross. If you are still in doubt, ask the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

Background & Summary of the Readings

The first reading (Isaiah 50:5-9) presents the suffering servant as one who accepts suffering, pain, and humiliation without complain – He willingly makes no resistance, nor does he turn away. He offers his back to those who stroke him, his cheeks to those who tore his beard; he did not cover his face against insult and spittle.

In the second reading (James 2:14-18), St James maintains that salvation is tied to both faith and works. James does not denounce faith but argues that faith is expressed through good works – a lively faith that is animated by charity.

The Gospel reading (Mark 8:27-35) reveals Jesus’ teaching about the cost of discipleship and the call to embrace Christianity of the Cross. The Jews looked forward to a military and political messiah like David who would crush their enemies. The disciples too were not clear about the identity of Jesus – what theologians call the messianic secret. Therefore, Jesus asked them what people thought of him. Peter, the head of the Apostles proclaimed: “You are the Christ…”

Pastoral Lessons

1. Embrace Christianity of the Cross: Rather than fall back to the 5 Solas – faith alone, scripture alone, grace alone, Christ alone and to the glory of God alone that constitute a scandal to Christianity, we are encouraged to embrace Christianity of the Cross.
2. Take to faith and good works: Today’s liturgy challenges Christians to move from being hearers of the word to doers of the word by embracing a practical Christianity which takes cognizance of the needs of our brothers and sisters.
3. Look up to Heavens: Our liturgy assures all those who are in every kind of suffering, humiliation, excruciating pain, and near-death experience to look up to the heavens from whence shall come their help.
4. Reflect about the Crucifix: Our liturgy helps us to reflect on why we say the sign of the Cross – i.e. Because in the Via DolorosaJesus receives his Cross in the second station, he was nailed to the cross in the 11^thstation, he died on the cross for our sake in the 12^th station – Besides, there are three persons in one God, and we also make the sign of the Cross as an act of faith to bless and wish ourselves good luck.
5. Take up your Cross: Since the cross connects the Christian with Christ, the Church, and the community and there is no shortcut to heaven, Jesus reminds us to take up our crosses daily otherwise, we cannot make it to heaven.

Summary Lines

1. The first reading presents the Suffering Servant as one who accepts suffering, pain, and humiliation without complain.
2. In the second reading, St James maintains that salvation is tied to both faith and works.
3. James does not denounce faith but argues that faith is expressed through good works – a lively faith that is animated by charity.
4. The Gospel reading reveals Jesus’ teaching about the cost of discipleship and the call to embrace Christianity of the Cross.
5. Peter, the head of the Apostles proclaimed: “You are the Christ…”

Conclusion

Beloved in Christ, we are living in a materialistic society that increasingly points to a cross-less Christianity. Painfully, prosperity gospel currently incensed by televangelists identifies the cross as a symbol of shame rather than victory over sin and death. If the mother of the sons of Zebedee did not get automatic tickets for her sons (Cf. Matthew 20:20), we won’t either. May our mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary intercede for us both now and forever. Have a blessed week ahead!