8th Week in Ordinary Time : Tuesday 25th May 2021

Today’s readings describe the attitude a Christian must have with regards to money and possessions. In the first reading, the relationship between offering sacrifices and keeping the commandments is emphasised. When one fails to keep God’s commandments, his sacrifice is displeasing to God. It is no wonder then that a virtuous man’s offerings and sacrifices are “acceptable” to the Lord. In addition, one has to offer sacrifices with a generous heart and with a cheerful disposition. If this is done, God will reward him freely and abundantly, “for the Lord is a good rewarder.”

In the gospel passage, Jesus assured Peter and his companions that they would not go unrewarded because they had left their “all” and had answered Jesus’ call. Nor do they need to wait for their reward in the afterlife; they have their reward here and now in the warm fellowship of authentic Christian life. It is a reminder that anyone who is detached from everything and everyone, so that he can follow after Jesus, will receive a hundredfold of family members and possessions in this life while inheriting everlasting life in the age to come.

In the world of today, security in possessions and money can pull people away from depending on God as the trustworthy source of their life, here and hereafter. All of Christ’s followers are called to radical discipleship.

To follow Jesus means to go and sell what one has. To be for Jesus means to be for the poor. Jesus’ way is to rely solely on God, for whom all things are possible.

Lord, help me to be a generous and cheerful giver.