22nd Sunday of Ordinary Time (Mt. 16:21-27)

            The story of the cross is the primary parable in the life of Jesus.  Why would our all-powerful God choose to come to earth to die a humiliating death?  The death of Jesus on the cross makes no sense. In our culture, we are told to put ourselves first.  The cross tells us the exact opposite.

                The gospel reveals two important truths about the cross. One thing we notice is that Jesus says, “Take up your cross and follow me.”  The statement emphasizes an important aspect of trying to imitate Jesus. We have choices. An example of this might be that someone finds out that they are going to have to go through a long chronic disease that will lead to death.  At such times it might be said, “What a terrible cross this is to bear.”  A choice is presented that people of faith wrestle with. Will I embrace the cross or doubt the love of God?

                There are other crosses presented in our life that we must make choices about as well. We might be asked to make a selfless choice to serve others.  At such times we might be able to walk away with no shame involved. On the other hand, we can walk a path of sacrificial love.

                Another verse in the Gospel today catches our attention regarding taking up our cross.  Jesus says to Peter, “Get behind me Satan.” Jesus says this two times in the Gospel of Matthew.  The first time is when he undergoes his temptation in the desert.  At the end of the three invitations Satan makes to Jesus to think of himself first, Jesus says, “Get behind me Satan.” The second time we hear Jesus use this expression he says it to Peter who appeals to Jesus to save himself.  We see by the two times Jesus says this that sometimes our enemies can undermine our holy desires.  At other times, those that we love can do the same thing.

                I am reminded today about an American who was beatified not long ago who we probably never heard of.  The person I am talking about is Blessed James Miller.  Blessed James Miller was born in September of 1944.  He grew up on a farm in Stephens Point, Wisconsin.  He went to a Catholic High School where he was taught by Christian Brothers.  He decided that he would like to be a religious brother. He started teaching in a high school in Wisconsin.  A request was made for teachers to serve in Central America.  Br. James went to Nicaragua where he taught several years.  Central America was a place of great political tension. When it was learned that Br. James was in danger of being assassinated because of his work with the poor, he was sent back to Wisconsin.  He grew bored there.  He longed to return to the missions.  Finally, he went back to Central America to serve in Guatemala. 

                He taught in a high school there.  A civil war was going on. Br. James protested when some of his students were drafted into the army to fight against their will.  On February 13, 1982, Br. James was on a ladder fixing a broken lamp outside of his school.  Three masked men pulled up outside and shot Br. James six or seven times, executing him.  Br. James Miller knew that his life was in danger if he went to Central America again, but he chose to risk his life for others. He was buried a few days later.  He was wrapped in a white shroud.  The shroud became stained with dirt because so many people wanted to touch his body before it was returned to the United States.  One thousand of his students accompanied his coffin to the airport before he was flown home.  Blessed James Miller, a beatified American, reminds us of what can happen when we choose to pick up the cross.

                We are probably not going to be martyred, but we can die to ourselves in small ways.  One way is to support the church with our gifts.  This is the weekend when we are asked to support the Annual Diocesan Appeal. The monies of this appeal support the ministries of the diocese of Peoria.  I would like to ask that you read over the brochure that you received.  The brochure is also posted on our website.  Everyone should have received a mailing this week.  I will just point out some aspects of the pledge card.  Take the card home with you. If you do not have one, fill it out and either mail it in to diocese or bring it back and put it in the collection.  We have a high assessment that our parish is responsible for $126,000.  Please consider if you can help us. 

                Br. James Miller sums up the meaning of taking up our crosses with these words written home at the end of his life, “God knows why He continues to call me to serve in Guatemala when friends and relatives encourage me to leave for my own comfort and safety……I place my life in His Providence; I place my trust in Him.”  Let’s pray that we can trust God when we are confronted by the crosses of our life.