Martin Madalai Muthu csc –
Readings: Sir 35: 1-15; Mk 10: 28-31
What was wrong in the question of Peter? Like Peter we too might have asked the same questions looking at our family, community, company, country as even to God, saying ‘Look all I do and all I suffer is for you!’ If we recall the story of the prodigal son even there we find the elder Son justifying to his Father about his work when he heard that his younger brother (Prodigal son) was welcomed back. One or the other way we long for the immediate reward and appreciation for any work that we do.
For an example: recently I spent day and night doing a video project and got disappointed when there was no rewards or appreciation for my hard work. Am I not worthy to receive any reward when I have given my time and energy to make an event successful? Jesus reminds us today that there is a reward for discipleship but there is also a cost. Jesus understood what Peter was saying and assured him that nobody can ever outdo God in generosity.
Called to follow Christ is given to all and we will receive a hundredfold, even in this life. Yet, the life of those who follow Jesus will also include persecutions. Jesus is not making empty promises, following him means following him on the way of the cross and of humiliation. We are invited to follow the concept of Nishkama Karma which means self-less or desire less action. Our action must be performed without any expectation of fruits or results.
Today let us ask the Lord to help us to be a true follower of Jesus. Let us do our best in following him and leave the rest under his feet. Blessings will automatically fall on our way in different ways.