Scripture Reflection, August 30, 2026, 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jeremiah 20:7-9 Romans 12:1-2 Matthew 16: 21-27

The connection between our first reading and today’s gospel is direct. In the first reading, the prophet, Jeremiah, is lamenting his challenging role as a prophet. However, while he complains to God, wishing he did not have to deliver this difficult message (and suffer the consequences at the hands of the people) - he is compelled to do so.

Jesus performs a similar role for the people of his era, and every era. He preaches a message of justice and love of neighbor that is unpopular - not only with the Romans, who rule his country, but unpopular with the Jewish high priests and political officials who do the bidding of the Romans. But, unlike Jeremiah, he does not complain about his ministry. He realizes he is destined to suffer greatly, and even die, for what he believes; but he will not let anyone - even Peter - deter him from doing what he knows is right.

In their own specific ways, Jeremiah and Jesus are both preaching about the reign of God. Both of them give excellent examples concerning how spiritual principles should apply, not only to the common woman and man, but to leaders as well - leaders in both the political realm and in the spiritual realm.

Once, in the lead-up to a presidential election, I heard a voter say: “I don’t need to worry about the morals of the person I am going to vote for. After all, I am not voting for them to be my pastor….” I was flabbergasted! Whether voting for the presidency, for congress, for city council, or for any other public office, I want the candidate I vote for to have integrity and high moral standards. If he or she lacks those things, they lack some important qualifications for the job. And, as a voter, I believe my responsibility is to insist a candidate have those qualities and to challenge them if they do not. That’s what Jesus did, and he expects nothing less from me. I am compelled to do so, even when it is difficult.

by: Bill Miller