Dear brothers and sisters, good afternoon and happy Sunday!

Today’s Gospel tells us how Jesus reveals to his disciples the Mystery of his impending Passion. The Messiah, he says, must “go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised” (Mt 16:21).

What he says is a far cry from their expectations of a triumphant and powerful Messiah, with whose help they would defeat and trample their enemies (cf. Ps 108:13). Already, during the time they had spent with him, they had been amazed by so many of his deeds and words. Yet this latest message truly goes beyond all expectations. In particular, Peter expresses his disagreement and rebukes Jesus, saying to him: “‘God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you’” (v. 22).

Shortly before, Peter had recognized in him “the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (v. 16). Now, however, surprised and perhaps disappointed by what he hears, he rebukes him, which stands in contrast to the beautiful profession of faith he had just made. He seems to be saying, “Yes, I believe you are the Messiah, but that is not how the world is saved.” His is an outburst of zeal, certainly motivated by sincere love, and yet it gives us something to consider.

For us, too, in fact, it is not always easy to understand and accept God’s ways, especially when they are very far from our own. Then the temptation arises — against all the reasoning of faith — to think that the Lord is the one who is wrong, or worse still, that he is not listening to us or is not concerned about us. Faced with this uncertainty, Peter, even in his impulsiveness, teaches us two important things.

The first is, even in such moments, never to cease our dialogue with the Lord. Instead, we are confidently to tell him our difficulty in understanding what he is asking of us.

The second is never to judge God’s work, but rather humbly and prayerfully to listen to what he is revealing to us through his actions, even when they do not meet our expectations.

The greatness of the first of the Apostles is also evident in this.

Jesus replies: “Get behind me, Satan!” (v. 23), and explains to him and the other disciples that, to follow in his footsteps, they must deny themselves, take up their crosses, and follow him (cf. v. 24). Peter will do just that: after listening to him, he will accept the challenge and remain faithful to the words of Christ — whom he has recognized as his Redeemer — for the rest of his life, even unto martyrdom.

Let us therefore ask the Lord that we, too, in our life of faith and in our prayer, may have the same sincerity as Peter, humbly telling Jesus what we truly feel, even when our hearts are confused. At the same time, may we cultivate Peter’s own docility in accepting what Jesus asks of us beyond our expectations.

May Mary help us, for she was obedient to God’s plans even at the foot of the cross of her Son Jesus.

After the Angelus:

Dear brothers and sisters,

Tragic reports are emerging from Haiti of the horrific massacre carried out in Kenscoff, in which numerous people have lost their lives and others taken hostage. I express my spiritual closeness to the victims and their families, and call for the immediate release of all hostages. I make a heartfelt appeal to all those in positions of authority to take concrete steps in order to ensure the safety of the population and put an end to all forms of violence.

I renew my prayers for those affected by the terrible flood that struck Nepal and Tibet. Let us pray for those who have lost their lives, for the injured, those missing, for the families and rescue workers. May the concern of everyone help to alleviate the suffering and provide the necessary aid to the people affected.

Let us continue to pray for peace. Saint Augustine, whose feast we celebrated a few days ago, said that peace “is like the miraculous bread multiplied in the hands of the disciples as they broke it and distributed it” (Sermo 357, 2). May there be an increase in the world of those who courageously break and share the bread of peace, overcoming divisions, promoting justice and practicing forgiveness for the good of all.

On Tuesday, we celebrate the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation. This marks the beginning of the Season of Creation – observed by Christians of various denominations – whose theme this year is “Living Water.” As I recalled in the Message for this Day, caring for our common home calls for a conversion of heart, so that what has been used to bring about destruction may instead be directed toward life. I invite everyone to join in prayer and action, that we may become channels of the living water of God’s peace, refreshing our wounded world.

I greet all of you: the faithful of Castel Gandolfo and pilgrims from various countries. In particular, I welcome the participants in the “Run to Rome” charity event, the young people who have undertaken the Via Lucis pilgrim route, the group of devotees of Our Lady of Miracles of Corbetta and the motorcyclists here for their traditional annual gathering.

I would like to thank the law enforcement agencies and all those who have helped to enable my summer stay here in Castel Gandolfo, as well as those responsible for security during my meetings with the pilgrims. Thank you very much!

I also send warm greetings to the faithful following the Angelus from Saint Peter’s Square.

I wish you all a happy Sunday!