A HUNDREDFOLD REWARD FOR BELIEVERS
Introduction
The Holy Spirit was already at work in the prophets of the Old Testament, but the Good News of Christ is a much clearer revelation. Set all your hope on the grace of Christ.
What about those who give up everything for the sake of the kingdom of heaven? They will not only “inherit heaven” but find happiness on earth in the freedom from worries about losing material goods and the inner freedom of belonging to all, in the joy of winning many brothers and sisters in the community. And curiously enough but realistically, Mark adds that they will retain their happiness and reward even in the contradictions and persecutions they encounter in their endeavours for the kingdom. One must remain free and poor within oneself.
1 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.
Responsorial Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
R. (2a) The Lord has made known his salvation.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. The Lord has made known his salvation.
Alleluia Matthew 11:25
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth;
you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
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.”
Commentary:
The Marcan readings over the past week or so have a consistent theme running through them: the centrality of the person of Christ in our life choices and experiences. It all began with the event of Transfiguration. Jesus then proclaims that anyone who welcomes little children welcomes him (9:37). That anyone who works a miracle in his name, even if he does not belong to the in-group, cannot be against them (9:39). That anyone who gives the disciples a cup of water because they belong to him will not lose reward (9:41). That no one should cause the little ones who believe in him to stumble (9:42) or prevent children from coming to him (10:14). And the rich man is asked to leave everything and follow him (10:21). Peter then proclaims on behalf of the disciples—that they have given up everything to follow him. Jesus blesses their choice and assures them, and us, that as long as a person renounces everything for his sake and the gospel, the reward would be a hundredfold, even if persecutions might accompany our choice.
The message is loud and clear: every choice shall be in Christ and for Christ, nothing less will do. Who or what is the foundation of my daily choices in life?
Blessing
We are in the hands of God, a good God, a merciful God. We try to serve him well and entrust ourselves to him. May Almighty God bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!