FIRST READING
1 Peter 1:10-16
Beloved:
Concerning the salvation of your souls the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and investigated it investigating the time and circumstances that the Spirit of Christ within them indicated when it testified in advance to the sufferings destined for Christ and the glories to follow them. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you with regard to the things that have now been announced to you by those who preached the Good News to you through the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels longed to look.
Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, live soberly, and set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Like obedient children, do not act in compliance with the desires of your former ignorance but, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, for it is written, Be holy because I am holy.
GOSPEL
Mark 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.”
REFLECTIONS:
What's the best investment you can make with your
life? The gospel presents us with a paradox: we lose what we keep,
and we gain what we give away. When we lose our lives for Jesus Christ,
we gain a priceless treasure and an inheritance which lasts forever. Whatever
we give to God comes back a hundredfold. Generosity flows from a heart
full of gratitude for the abundant mercy and grace which God grants. Do
you give freely and generously? And why do you give, for reward or for
love?
Right after a wealthy young man refused to follow Jesus, Peter, somewhat
crudely wanted to know what he and the other disciples would get out of
it since they had freely accepted Jesusoffer to follow him unconditionally.
Jesus spoke with utter honesty: Those who left all for him would receive
a hundred times more now, even in this life, as well as unending
life in the age to come. Jesusdisciples can expect opposition and persecution
from those who are opposed to Christ and his gospel.
Should we be surprised if we lose favor and experience ridicule, intimidation,
and injury when we take a stand for truth and righteousness? In place of
material wealth, Jesus promised his disciples the blessing and joy of rich
fellowship with the community of believers. No earthly good or possession
can rival the joy and bliss of knowing God and the peace and unity he grants
to his disciples. The Lord wants to fill our hearts with the vision of
heaven and with his joy and peace. Do you know the joy of following the
Lord as his disciple? Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with the joy of the
gospel and the knowledge of Gods personal love.
"Lord Jesus, I want to follow you as your disciple and to love you wholeheartedly
with all that I have. Fill my heart with faith, hope, and love that I may
always find peace and joy in your presence."
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