Eighth Week of Ordinary Time
28th May 2024 (Tuesday)
Psalter: Week 4
Reading of the Day
First Reading: 1 Peter 1:10-16
Beloved: Concerning the salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look. Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
Psalm 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4 (R. 2a)
R/. The Lord has made known his salvation.
Gospel Acclamation
V/. Alleluia
R/. Alleluia
V/. Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have revealed to little children the mysteries of the kingdom.
R/. Alleluia.
Gospel : Mark 10:28-31
At that time: Peter began to say to Jesus “See, we have left everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Truly, 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 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. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
Daily Gospel Reflection
Tuesday – Eighth Week of Ordinary Time
Guidelines: Practice of religion in devotions, offerings and sacrifices is good. But all this must be done with a real spirit of self-offering, righteousness and gladness
1. We are exhorted by Peter in the first reading to “be holy in all our conduct”, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy”. This summons us to be sober-minded and God’s obedient children, not being conformed to the passions of the old life.
3. Such a life is certainly not easy. It is demanding and challenging. Especially in the sight of the world, and in human calculations, it is a big loss. What is the use of it? What is the result and fruit of it?
4. This is the concern that is implied in the question of Peter of Jesus in today’s gospel: “Behold, we have left everything and followed you”. This question follows immediately yesterday’s episode of the rich young man, who fails to follow Jesus’ invitation to give up everything and follow him.
5. In contrast to him, Peter and the other disciples readily leave everything and follow Jesus. In this context, Peter’s question is quite valid and reasonable. It is not following the Lord with ulterior motives or some interests. It is not doing something for God with some expectations. It is not giving up some things in order to gain many things.
6. In all simplicity, Peter’s question reveals a concern for assurance that it is worth following the Lord. It is far more rewarding. It is not a vain enterprise or a futile struggle. The value of following the Lord is exceedingly greater than all that is given up. The reward is an abundance of spiritual riches and relationships. And the greatest reward is eternal life.
Practice: Following the Lord will become light and enjoyable if one does it with a positive mind. This means one must constantly see that what he receives is far more worthy and valuable, compared to what he loses. God’s abundant blessings and eternal life are the greatest rewards!
