Divine Things – Mark 8:27-33 Reflection
Shouldn’t we always consider “Who do people say that I am” about ourselves? What if we could listen in on conversations that our friends and family have about us? Would we hear them saying that we are Christian because they know we go to Church? Deeper yet, would we hear them discussing our intense prayer life or what we do and be for others? Would they question why we deny our spiritual suffering and willingness to do so? Would they understand why we turn from evil to set our minds on Divine things instead? Ah… maybe we would not hear these answers here on Earth, but how about from those we know in heaven?
Get thee Behind Me Satan by James Tissot.
The full-resolution painting and more details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Mark 8:27-33 – Scripture*
Peter’s Declaration about Jesus
27 Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” 28 And they answered him, “John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” 29 He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” 30 And he sternly ordered them not to tell anyone about him.
Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection
31 Then he 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. 32 He said all this quite openly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But turning and looking at his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Mark 8:27-33 Reflection – Set our Mind on Divine Things.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Mark 8 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.