Poor Peter... he is the first of the disciples to respond to the question put by Jesus, “Who do you say I am?” He answers, “You are the Christ.” Then a short time later later he finds himself remonstrating with Jesus about the Lord’s decision to head towards Jerusalem and certain death.
And for this, in front of all the disciples, Jesus rebukes Peter with the words, “Get behind me, Satan! Because the way you think is not God’s way but man’s.”
So, in faith, Peter recognises and accepts Jesus as the Christ, anointed by God to redeem Israel, but struggles to understand any requirement for the Messiah to have to suffer at the hands of the people he has come to save.
I guess we can all admit at times to not knowing the ways of God in our own lives and instead wanting God to do things according to our will. After all, are we not made in his image and likeness? It’s an easy trap to fall into, the ways and understanding taught by the world. Satan isn’t slow to miss any opportunity to come in front of us and whisper that there is another and easier way to live forever, that it doesn’t have to be the way God commands – just as he lied to Eve.
In her Medjugorje messages Our Lady often gives a heads-up to our false ways of thinking, and invites us to adjust our understanding and any thoughts motivated by a selfish, self-interest. She also warns us to be on our guard because satan is strong and is working hard in the world.
Today I call you, together with me, to begin to build the Kingdom of Heaven in your hearts; that you may forget that what is personal and – led by the example of my Son – think of what is of God. August 2, 2010
When I told you: convert, pray, fast, be reconciled, you took these messages superficially. You started to live them and then you stopped, because it was difficult for you. No, dear children, when something is good, you have to persevere in the good and not think: “God does not see me, he is not listening, he is not helping.” And so you have gone away from God and from me because of your miserable interest. March 25, 1992
Dear children! At this time, do not only think of rest for your body but, little children, seek time also for the soul. July 25, 2006
• Many think that they have faith in God and that they know his laws. They try to live according to them, but they do not do what is the most important; they do not love him. October 2, 2006
• You are so blind and attached to earthly things and think of earthly life. God sent me to lead you toward eternal life. October 25, 2006
My children, do not deceive yourselves with worldly goods. Think of your soul because it is more important than the body, cleanse it. Invoke the Father, he is waiting for you. Come back to him. November 2, 2009
• God can give you everything that you seek from Him. But you seek God only when sicknesses, problems and difficulties come to you and you think that God is far from you and is not listening and does not hear your prayers. No, dear children, that is not the truth. January 25, 1988
