Seek First God’s Kingdom; You Will Not Lack

Tuesday, 28 May 2024. Readings: 1 Peter 1:10-16, Ps. 98:1-4, Mark 10:28-31)_

“I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold.” (Mark 10:29-30)

Today’s Gospel passage describes what happened after the rich young man sorrowfully walked away from Jesus because he was unwilling to sell his goods and give the proceeds to the poor. Jesus’ disciples were shocked by Jesus’ statement that it would be difficult for a rich man to enter God’s kingdom. The disciples remembered that they had also left everything to follow Jesus. It was an opportunity to ask if their decision to be detached was worthwhile. This brings us to today’s lessons:

1. The Essence of Discipleship is Detachment: Peter said to Jesus: “We have left everything and followed you.” To be attached to God, one must be detached from the love of material riches. Unlike the rich young man who walked away sad, the true disciple seeks God first and relies on God for security. In today’s first reading, Saint Peter himself describes the true disciple as one who is committed to personal holiness, one who is not conformed to the passions of his former ignorance. The true disciple does not engage in any form of competition or bragging over material possessions. This detachment brings a sense of security, knowing God’s abundant and trustworthy providence.

2. To Be Detached is to be Poor: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught: “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” (Luke 6:20). Being poor is not necessarily the state of lacking the goods of the world but the condition of not being attached to material possessions. The Psalmist says: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.’ For He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and the deadly pestilence; He will cover you with his pinions, and you will find refuge under his wings.” (Psalm 91:1-4).

3. Your Reward Begins Here: Jesus assures us: “There is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands with persecutions and in the age to come eternal life.” (Mark 10:29-30). Be detached from worldly goods. God surely knows how to take care of his own. “Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ The Gentiles seek all these things; your heavenly Father knows you need them all. But seek his kingdom and righteousness first, and all these things shall also be yours. (Matthew 6:31-33). This promise of eternal life should fill you with hope and anticipation, knowing your true reward is yet to come.

Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, give me the wisdom to re-order my priorities, to work not only for worldly wealth but, more importantly, for eternal life. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.

Remember, amid all challenges, choose to be happy. Live with a positive mindset and believe in God’s plan for you. God bless you abundantly. (Tuesday of week 8 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1 Peter 1:10-16, Ps. 98:1-4, Mark 10:28-31).

@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu