Sermon for 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year B Homily – I wonder

Hmmm I-wonder if...24th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year B

Who do you say I am?

 Jerome W. Berryman is known for his “Godly Play” method of reflecting on a gospel story. One of the techniques used in Godly Play is the use of “wondering questions”. I would like to use the method of wondering questions to reflect/pray with the gospel text of today.

 

For a full sermon on this passage (Mk 8:27-35): CLICK HERE

For a sermon on the Matthean version of the story: CLICK HERE

 

I wonder if Jesus’ question: “Who do people say I am” is part of a search for his own identity?

I wonder why people would relate Jesus to John the Baptist and Elijah?

I wonder if Jesus’ question: “who do you say I am” is addressed to me?

I wonder what would be my own answer to that question?

I wonder if Peter really meant what he said, when he said, You are the Christ?

I wonder why Jesus would forbid the disciples from telling the others that he is the Christ?

I wonder why Jesus would immediately start talking about his suffering?

I wonder if suffering is related the definition of ‘Christ’?

I wonder if Peter was really concerned about the wellbeing of Jesus?

I wonder if Peter’s concern was closely related to his understanding of the Christ?

I wonder why Jesus would be so harsh with Peter calling him Satan?

I wonder what was so satanic about Peter?

I wonder if I am satanic too when I don’t accept the idea of the suffering Christ/Messiah?

I wonder if my unwillingness to see Christ suffering is a refusal to accept my own suffering?

I wonder if my being a disciple of Christ is closely tied to my understanding of who Jesus is?

I wonder how I would lose my life and save it?

I wonder if this whole story is about discipleship?

I wonder if this whole story is about my own relationship with Jesus?

I wonder if Jesus had rehearsed the whole drama enacted in today’s gospel story?