THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Tuesday of Eighth week in Ordinary time, 2021

Sirach 35:1-12

Ps 50

Mark 10:28-31

A hundredfold now… and eternal life

Dear friends in Christ, we have a promise from the one who does not fail to fulfil his promises. That promise of a reward beyond earthly material wealth and possessions to things that are eternal. We know very clearly that the many things we labour to acquire and amass here on earth are not useful when death comes. One might die trying to win the bread without even having time to have a taste of it. But for our efforts and labour in the vineyard of the Lord, he says the reward begins from here but lasts to eternity.

Today’s Gospel (Mark 10:28-31) begins from the story preceding it. A man, while Jesus was about going on his journey ran up to him, knelt before him (cf. Mk 10:17-27) and said, “Good master, what must I do to receive eternal life?” Jesus answered him, “…You know the commandments, do not kill…steal…bear false witness…cheat, honour your father and your mother.” The man replied that he had followed all of these since childhood. Then Jesus told him to do one more thing, “Go, sell what you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven. Then come follow me.” The man we were told went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth. For anyone who is attached to his earthly acquisitions, the demand of Jesus here is hard to follow. But down through the ages we have seen many who have followed this call to glory. Jesus used the opportunity to further stress the need for detachment from earthly things saying, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God…It is easier for a carmel to go through the eye of a needle…”

The disciples of Jesus were astonished at this teaching that they said, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus answered them, “It is impossible for human beings but not for God; for all things are possible for God.” Salvation cannot be acquired by works alone, it takes the grace of God. It is in a follow up to this, Peter then said to Jesus, “We have given up everything and followed you.” Jesus’ response is an assurance to him, and all of us, what you have given, you will receive back “a hundredfold now in this time…with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.”

The world is full of tribulations. For a follower of Christ, it might be double trouble, particularly because he faces persecution for nothing, but the name of Christ. The joy is in Christ’s promise of eternal reward. Do not give up in the face of your persecutions. Look up to Christ himself. 

To get a hundredfold however, the man in the story needed to make an investment that is total. To break free from his distractions and the encumbrances that had tied him down. It was a price he considered too hard at the time to make. What do you have to give up for your faith? Is it time, resources, relationships? Note that Jesus did not ask the man to bring his wealth to him but to give to the poor. The poor are always with you if you care to notice them. What will you offer them?

Let us pray: O Lord, your demand is great but not beyond us. You ask no more than we can afford, give me the courage to put you first and above everything I own. Amen. 

+Remain blessed