First reading Ecclesiasticus 35:2-15
Give to the Most High as he has given to you
A man multiplies offerings by keeping the Law;
he offers communion sacrifices by following the commandments.
By showing gratitude he makes an offering of fine flour,
by giving alms he offers a sacrifice of praise.
Withdraw from wickedness and the Lord will be pleased,
withdraw from injustice and you make atonement.
Do not appear empty-handed in the Lord’s presence;
for all these things are due under the commandment.
A virtuous man’s offering graces the altar,
and its savour rises before the Most High.
A virtuous man’s sacrifice is acceptable,
its memorial will not be forgotten.
Honour the Lord with generosity,
do not stint the first-fruits you bring.
Add a smiling face to all your gifts,
and be cheerful as you dedicate your tithes.
Give to the Most High as he has given to you,
generously as your means can afford;
for the Lord is a good rewarder,
he will reward you seven times over.
Offer him no bribe, he will not accept it,
do not put your faith in an unvirtuous sacrifice;
since the Lord is a judge
who is no respecter of personages.
Responsorial Psalm 49(50):5-8,14,23
I will show God’s salvation to the upright.
‘Summon before me my people
who made covenant with me by sacrifice.’
The heavens proclaim his justice,
for he, God, is the judge.
I will show God’s salvation to the upright.
‘Listen, my people, I will speak;
Israel, I will testify against you,
for I am God, your God.
I accuse you, lay the charge before you.
I find no fault with your sacrifices,
your offerings are always before me.
I will show God’s salvation to the upright.
Pay your sacrifice of thanksgiving to God
and render him your votive offerings.
A sacrifice of thanksgiving honours me
and I will show God’s salvation to the upright.’
I will show God’s salvation to the upright.
Gospel Mark 10:28-31
Whoever has left everything for the sake of the gospel will be repaid
At that time Peter began to tell Jesus, ‘What about us? We have left everything and followed you.’ Jesus said, ‘I tell you solemnly, there is no one who has left house, brothers, sisters, father, children or land for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not be repaid a hundred times over, houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and land – not without persecutions – now in this present time and, in the world to come, eternal life.
‘Many who are first will be last, and the last first.’
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For Jesus
“…for my sake and for the sake of the gospel.” We know from experience that it can be challenging to opt for Jesus and live according to the gospel values. Persecution is part and parcel of living as Jesus’ followers since His values are different from those of the world and often go against our selfish inclinations. However, today’s gospel brings us Jesus’ assurance that none of our efforts to follow Him in love is wasted. He sees and appreciates deeply our commitment to be His disciples.
Indeed, “the Lord asks everything of us, and yet at the same time, He offers everything to us…He offers us true life, the happiness for which we were created” (Pope Francis). In prayer, let us recall the times when we have tasted the true happiness of living our lives for Jesus. When it is challenging to choose Jesus above everything and everyone else, including ourselves, let us remember His faithful promise of love and life to us. In following Jesus, may we receive more and more of the true life He offers us!
Reflective question:
How can I choose Jesus and live according to the gospel values today?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.
