24th Sunday in Ordinary Time

In today’s Second Reading, James puts a special emphasis on that fact that that our faith cannot be empty or shallow. We must put our faith into action if it is to mean anything at all. Do we contribute money or time to the St. Vincent de Paul Society to help the poor of our community? Do we volunteer time to help at food banks or to visit the elderly or the imprisoned? Do we assist in a liturgical ministry as an usher, lector, choir member, or altar server? These are just a few examples. We must be willing to put our faith into action if we are to be an authentic disciple of Jesus Christ.

What happens when we put our faith into action? Sometimes it means that we may be ridiculed because we want to do more than just occupy a pew on Sunday. In today’s First Reading, we hear Isaiah say that the Lord is our help, therefore we shall not be disgraced.

In today’s Gospel, we hear St. Peter’s profession of faith. He proclaims that he believes that Jesus is the Messiah. It is obvious from this reading that Peter interpreted this in terms of power. He wanted Jesus to be a conquering hero so that he might share in his glory. However, this is not what Jesus came to do. He was here to liberate us from sin and alienation, not from an occupying Roman army. Jesus is rebuked by Peter for proclaiming that he must die and then rise after three days. Jesus tells Peter: “Get behind me, Satan. You are not thinking as God does but as human beings do.” Peter ultimately will give his life for the sake of the Gospel for he knows that his reward is not in this life, but in the life of the world to come. In the Acts of the Apostles, we see Peter putting his faith into action by not only teaching, but also by calling on the name of Jesus to heal the sick.

Today’s Readings give us a lot to think about. It is not enough for us to come to Church on Sunday, take our place in the pew, and put some money in the collection basket. No, there is more to being a Catholic Christian than that. We must put into action that which we proclaim in our lives. As James said: Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works.” (James 2:18)