THE ‘BRAND HEART’ OF CHRISTIANITY
Jeremiah 20:7-9; Romans 12:1-2; Matthew 16:21-27
Marketing experts point out that it is important for companies and organizations to develop a brand identity or the “face” that interacts with the world. But they are quick to caution: whatever you create should 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 and through Peter’s confession of faith (which we heard last Sunday), they have recognized Jesus as the Christ.
But Jesus does not fit the popular conception of the Christ as a military conqueror. And so, he begins to show his disciples that he is the Christ who must suffer. He had challenged oppressive powers; he knew it was a decision which would have tragic consequences, but he accepted them.
But Peter cannot understand! There is no place for suffering in his understanding of the Christ. Peter the rock is a stumbling stone! Jesus tells him to take his place as a disciple: behind the Master. And makes it clear what 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, which the people heard 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.
Each of us has a cross to carry. 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.
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