| The Gospel according to 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.” Reflection: As we are now back in Ordinary Time, we return to the Gospel of Mark, and today, we hear Peter, seemingly complaining about all that he and the other disciples had given up to follow Jesus. If you’re a parent, I’m sure you can understand the tone in Peter’s comment. When our children are told to share their toys, or to do something they don’t want to do, they let us know how put out they are. They may not say the words, but we can imagine them thinking, “okay, mom” or “okay, dad”, and then “but when will someone do something nice for me that they don’t want to do?” Jesus reminds them that those who follow Him are in it for the “long game”, where we will all (we pray) receive those rewards that He promises to His good and faithful servants. But, we will have to go through a lot of difficulty, giving up things we may want and may think are “good”, but they are really just passing things that will turn to dust. Our reward is heaven, and if we keep our eyes fixed on that, the things we give up, or the struggles we endure are so much smaller by comparison. We also remember St Philip Neri, a 16th century priest and founder of the Oratorians. The Congregation of the Oratory were a group of priests who focused on pastoral care and charitable work, starting in Florence, and including communities in other places, including Rome. He was also a contemporary of St Ignatius of Loyola. I especially love the mention about his personality that he had a playful sense of humor. For that reason, he’s the patron of (among other causes) joy, laughter, and comedians. Action for the Day: Linda and I are blessed that, as you are reading this, we are on a plane, bound for Ireland for a pilgrimage there. Please know that you are all in our prayers as we visit various churches around that country. Please offer a prayer for our dear DEACON5 brother, Deacon Ray Emnace, who is facing some new health challenges. We are praying for you always, brother! Link to the DEACON5 website: https://deacon5.com/ If you would like to hear this reflection, click the link below! |
