In this Sunday’s Gospel passage Jesus rebukes well-intended advice from Peter, calling him a Satan. ‘Get behind me Satan’ is a strong reproach which clearly says that what Peter is advising Jesus is in opposition with God’s Plan.
Our present understanding of the meaning of the word ‘satan’ grew gradually. Early Hebrew traditions did not use the word ‘satan’ as an evil entity. The first time it was used as a proper noun was in 1 Chronicles, chapter 22. Most of the usages of this term in early Hebrew writings were done in connection to human beings. For example, in 1 Kings 11:14, the armies of the Edomites and Rezon were referred to as ‘satan’. In 1 Sam 29:4 Saul refers to David as ‘satan’.
In the early writings, the word ‘satan’ meant enemy (1 Sam 29:4,) adversary (2 Sam 19:21), and slanderer (Ps 109: 1-6). Through the Persian influence (B.C. 539 -532), the Hebrews started to use the term as a spiritual entity that is in opposition to God. But at that time, the meaning was not totally negative as we perceive it today. ‘Satan’ was described as a prosecuting attorney who opposes the plans of God, but still a member of God’s Court.
In the New Testament the perception of the word ‘satan’ had totally changed. Now Satan is seen as the fallen angel who constantly opposes God’s plan. We see ‘Satan’ as an evil force constantly tempting Jesus to walk away from accomplishing His destiny of redeeming humanity. For Paul, Satan is the source of all sin and every form of evil. Hence, anybody who is in opposition with God is a follower of ‘Satan’ (Rom 5:12).
By reproaching Peter – ‘get behind me Satan’, Jesus makes it clear that nothing should and will obstruct God’s plans. To ward off all the influences of evil from our lives, Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit who is described as an advocate, a helper, and a counselor, the one who always helps us to fulfill God’s Will in our lives.
-Fr. Ranjan D’Sa OCD