The Holy 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.” The Gospel of the Lord.
Reflection: Today is the Memorial of St. Clare, Virgin. St. Clare was a friend and disciple of St. Francis of Assisi. She came from a wealthy family. After hearing St. Francis preach, she asked him to help her live her life according to the Gospel. St. Clare sold all that she had and dedicated her life to serve Christ in the poor. She founded the religious order the Poor Clares. St. Clare personified this Gospel from Matthew. She gave up everything to follow Christ.
Just like this Gospel spoke to St. Clare 1000 years age, it speaks to us today. If we choose to be a follower of Christ, we must give up things. We do not need to sell off all of our worldly possessions, but we do need to give up certain things. I believe those things are those obstacles that keep us from being in relationship with Christ and following him.
Since we are all sinners, it is probably just that, our sins. It may mean giving up some habits, like binge watching TV, time on the computer, phone or social media, that take up much of our time. We all have done this. I have been known to “binge” watch Dodger baseball. We do not have to give up our home or relationships with our family. We need to just give up those things that keep us from serving the Lord.
Action of the day: Take some time today to think and reflect on those things in our lives that we need to give up. What are those things that take up much of our time? What are those things that are obstacles to our relationship with Christ? Once we have identified those “bad” things, think of “good” things that will help us to be closer followers of Christ and apply them to your life.
