A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark
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.”
Peter’s statement about giving up everything for the sake of following Jesus seems stark and absolute. By comparison, Jesus’ response overflows with the blessings that come from following him. The first reading from Sirach says that the Lord repays sevenfold, and Jesus multiplies this many times over by saying that those who give up things for his sake will receive a hundred times more now in this present age. Although persecution may come to those who follow him, Jesus says that they will be rewarded with eternal life.
God, help me understand that in the words “many that are first will be last, and the last will be first,” your Son invites me to a life of service. As high and deep as the list of sacrifices may be in following you, and as fearful as giving up everything for your sake can be, you assure me through the work of your Son that I will receive a hundredfold in return. Lord, I strive to understand the mystery of suffering for the sake of Christ and what it means for my life today and for the days to come. Give me the grace of abandonment to your divine will for the sake of the Gospel. Help me understand what a child knows very well: that you are the source of the beauty that draws me into your mystery.
From the Gospel acclamation: “Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.”
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.