Gospel Reading: Mk 10:28-31
PETER began to say to Jesus, “We have given up everything and followed you.”
Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: Houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come. But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
REFLECTION
We have given up everything
Peter speaks in behalf of his fellow Apostles. He says that, unlike the rich man, they have complied with Jesus’ requirements. So they are entitled to inherit eternal life.
As Peter proclaims their compliance, Jesus adds something more. Those who have detached from material things, given to the poor, and followed him are to give up also their intimate relations with their loved ones.
At this point, Jesus assures them not only of heaven but also of great rewards. What they have given up because of him and the Gospel will be restored to them a hundredfold here and now and in eternal life.
If we want to go to heaven, we must give up many things. We cannot receive eternal life if our hands are full. We cannot hold on to Jesus and his teachings if we do not empty ourselves of earthly values, even if these are legitimate.
Peter has expressed his joy. They have left everything and followed him. As Christians, we do not give up anything for nothing. Many more things will come to us if we create a space for them. For what we hold dear we stand to receive something dearer.
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What have you given up for Jesus and God’s Kingdom?
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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2016,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
