Reflection: Mark 8:27-33

Thursday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time - Mark 8:27-33

Today Jesus and the disciples were traveling to the villages in the region of Caesarea Philippi.  As they walked Jesus asked his disciples: “Who do people say that I am”?  His disciples replied with a variety of responses: “Some say John the Baptizer, others, Elijah and still others say you are a prophet.”  Then Jesus asked them: “Who do you say that I am?” Naturally, it was Peter who spoke first.  He simply said: “You are the Christ!”  Jesus then gave his strict orders not to tell anyone about him.  Then Jesus began to teach His disciples that “the Son of Man” would suffer greatly, be rejected by Temple elders and ultimately be put to death.”  However, there also were other people who heard Jesus’ proclamation.  Peter was extremely upset that so many people had heard Jesus’ statement.  He quickly took Jesus aside and cautioned him about saying such things.  Jesus looked directly at Peter and said to him: “Get out of my sight, you Satan!  You judge by human standards. You do not judge by God’s standards.

Are we like Peter?  Do we judge by human standards?  Or do we strive to judge by God’s standards?

I suspect many of us typically judge by “human standards” rather than “God’s standards.” There is a vast differences between how God judges and how we human beings judge.  Often we do not even realize that we have judged another because often we do it without even realizing it.  It may be about their behavior, the clothing they are wearing, or any number of other things.

The reality is we do not like when others judge us; yet many of us judge others without even thinking about it!  Today I invite you to be aware throughout your day!  Strive to be open to every person you meet.  If you become aware you are judging them for one thing or another: put positive thoughts in your head rather than negative ones.  This is a great gift for the individual, the world and for yourself!