The Gospel according to Matthew (19:27-29)
Peter said to Jesus, “We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more and will inherit eternal life.”
Reflection:
Jesus promises his twelve disciples and anyone who follows him for the sake of his name, not just one time but hundreds more that they will inherit eternal life.
Today, marks our brother-in-law, Edmund Saldivar’s first year anniversary of his death. I must say that it has been a difficult year for my sister Rosemarie and her children as well as all those who loved my brother-in-law. Edmund left this earth suddenly without warning and sadly tragically. It’s in times like this when death hits suddenly and our faith is called to action.
Are we ready if we are called today? Can we say that we lived a good and faithful life? What have we done for the sake of Jesus’s name?
Edmund lived 67 years as a cradle Catholic, he attended mass every Sunday. The last 13 years of Edmund ‘s life, he had many health challenges. However, that did not discourage him from attending. Yet, he continued with a joyful smile and out pouring of God’s love to all those who he met along his everyday life. As I reflect on Edmund’s life, I recall his joyful heart and his positive energy as he spoke to me, my children and to anyone who would listen. Edmund’s gift was Wisdom and of encouragement. Sharing his wisdom, laughing, and joking. He was a faithful servant spreading his love and joyful heart to everyone, even to the stranger. After his death, many people in the community where he lived commented on seeing Edmund happily riding his scooter waving and greeting all those neighbors as he rode around the community. This was Edmund gift, sharing his love of life despite his personal health challenges with the world.
Yes, it is our faith for both the living and the dead as proclaim in this reading what God promises for those who are called and has lived a life following Jesus in faith and action. This may determine our destination, from the transition of this life on earth to our eternal place that is promised to each of us, if we lived a life following Jesus.
Yes, we all must be ready at all times, asking our lord what can we do while living so that we too can inherit the kingdom and to be with God’s in his eternal life?
Action of the Day: Pray for the living and for those who have gone home. May their families be comforted in the arms of Our Lord, and may they be comforted knowing that their loved ones have earned their eternal glory.
Audio Reflection:
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