It is a familiar occurrence. We have just been told that our loved one has been diagnosed with a terminal disease. Then suddenly, there is confusion in the air, then denial. “No, it can’t be true; it’s not possible,” we say. The disciples in today’s gospel are not too different. Jesus tells them the truth of his impending suffering and death. He does this just when the ovation is loudest; “while all were marveling at everything Jesus did…” The disciples are enjoying the marvels and the ovation and would like to remain there. But not Jesus. He has moved on to the real mission that brought him to the world - to suffer and die for you and me. Unlike his disciples, he would not deny his mission. But we are like the disciples.  How many of us deny our real mission on earth and fill our daily living with straw? Studies show that many people live in denial of their mission on earth and that is why there is so much mediocrity in the world.

PRAYER: Lord, teach me how to be courageous to face, with determination, my mission on earth. Amen.