12th Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 23, 2013
Fr. Joseph Eddy, O. de M.
In our world there are so many different religions. Many of these, however, are rather small. The major monotheistic religions are Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. In these religions, there are many similarities and differences. One of the differences is how they judge piety or devotion to the faith. Usually they either judge the person by orthodoxy or orthopraxy.
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Orthodoxy is right belief. Those religions who place the most importance on this emphasize that we must all believe the same right doctrine about our faith. Orthopraxy is right practice. Those who emphasize this are more concerned with what the individual “does” than having a common “correct” understanding of the faith.
Law turned into legalism
For many Jewish leaders during Jesus’ time, “right practice” was how a person was considered as being devoted. We see throughout the New Testament how the Jewish leaders emphasized the importance of a rigid following of the law and the precepts. Many of these precepts were built up over time and tended toward legalism. The Pharisees and others criticized Jesus’ curing on the Sabbath and not following the Jewish ceremonial washings.
These practices had been multiplied throughout the centuries so that the meaning and spirit was often lost. Christ condemns the “mere external” observance of the laws, many of which were “man-made.” Jesus came to fulfill the law and the prophets. The 10 Commandments are and always will be in force, yet they must be internalized.
Faith behind actions
As Catholics, orthodoxy or right belief is essential to being a good Christian. A true understanding of the faith must be behind each practice that we do. Jesus shows his concern for right belief when he asks, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” Many people did not know what to think of Jesus. Some thought that he was a Magician. Others thought he was just another prophet. Some, especially the poor, hoped and prayed that he was the Messiah. The Messiah is the “anointed one” or the “Christ” who was said to be coming into the world to usher in a period of righteousness and conquer sin and evil (Daniel 9:26). Many Jews believed that the Messiah was going to be a warrior who would restore Israel to its rightful place.
Peter answers the question posed by acknowledging that Jesus is the “Christ of God,” or Messiah. His answer is sufficient, but not complete. Peter and the others do not yet understand Jesus’ full identity as the God Man. Jesus accepts the title of Messiah, but he wants to make sure that the disciples understand that he has not come as a warrior, but as the “suffering servant.” The Lord says, “…the Son of Man must suffer greatly and be rejected…be killed…on the third day be raised.” To Jesus it is very important that his followers realize who he is and that they believe what is right. Later, Jesus will teach them and ensure that they realize he is truly God and truly man.
Who He really is
If we ask people, even practicing Catholics, about Jesus we would get multiple answers. Most of this is out of ignorance or lack of thought. Many would say that He is God, but put little emphasis on his humanity. Others would acknowledge the divinity, but put more emphasis on his humanity. Still others, surprisingly, would equate him to something like an angel. But, Jesus wants us to know and believe who HE REALLY IS. This is why the Lord has revealed Himself in the Sacred Scriptures and Sacred Tradition. The Body of Christ, the Church, tells us that Jesus is the Second Person of the Trinity. He is one person with two natures: truly human and truly divine. Our Lord submits His divinity to his humanity to be able to experience all the sufferings and temptation that we experience.
So as Catholics we focus on the importance of believing and knowing what has been revealed to us. If we believe the truth we will practice it well and avoid extremes. Thank God that he has revealed Himself to us in His Son Jesus. The truth necessary for salvation is not hidden from us, but has been revealed to us. It is here for us learn and to love so that we may worship the Lord in righteousness and truth.