THE ‘BRAND HEART’ OF CHRISTIANITY
Jeremiah 20:7-9; Romans 12:1-2; Matthew 16:21-27
Marketing experts say it is important for companies/ organizations to develop a brand identity or the “face” that interacts with the world. They are quick to caution – whatever you create must communicate who you are: the brand heart (purpose, vision-mission, values).
One may see this Sunday’s gospel as a landmark in Jesus spelling out his “brand heart”! Jesus has been schooling his disciples about who he is; through Peter’s confession of faith, they have recognized Jesus as the Christ. Jesus does not fit the popular conception of the Christ as a military conqueror. He begins to show his disciples that he is the Christ who must suffer. He had challenged oppressive powers; this would have tragic consequences. But there is no place for suffering in Peter’s understanding of the Christ; the rock is now a stumbling stone! Jesus tells him to take his place as a disciple (behind the Master) and states that getting behind him entails taking up the cross and following him on his way to Jerusalem.
The theme of a “brand heart” is found in the first reading too which depicts Jeremiah’s suffering as a prophet. He had to deliver an unpopular message; people heard it as treason and tortured him. Jeremiah grew tired of the demands of authentic prophecy and tried voluntary retirement but had to speak regardless of the cost.
Like Jeremiah and Jesus, faithful disciples cannot avoid suffering. It is an integral part of discipleship, a necessary consequence of living by Gospel values, of confronting oppressive forces.
What are the crosses in my life? Am I willing to carry these and follow Jesus? Who are “the elders, chief priests and scribes” I must confront? Who is the “Peter” to whom I must say “get behind me”?
But discipleship is not only about the cross; there is also the crown. Jesus is convinced that God will vindicate him. He promises his disciples that if they carry their cross, they will find a life of union with God.
May we carry our crosses that we may also carry the crown of a life of communion with God.
