A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark.

Then he and the disciples set out for the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way, Jesus asked the disciples this question: “Who do people say that I am?”

They replied, “Some say John the Baptizer; others, Elijah; still others, one of the prophets.”

“And you,” he went on to ask, “who do you say that I am?”

Peter answered, “You are the Messiah!” But Jesus gave them strict orders not to tell anyone about him.

Then he began to teach them that the Promised One had to suffer much, be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and religious scholars, be put to death, and rise again three days later. Jesus said these things quite openly.

Peter took him aside and began to take issue with him. At this, Jesus turned around and, eyeing the disciples, reprimanded Peter: “Get out of my sight, you Satan!  You are judging by human standards rather than by God’s.”

Jesus summoned the crowd and the disciples and said, “If you wish to come after me, you must deny your very self, take up your cross and follow in my footsteps.  If you would save your life, you’ll lose it, but if you lose your life for my sake, you’ll save it.”

The Good News as spoken through Mark.