Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time, Year A, February 28, 2017.
1st Reading: Book of Sirach 35:1-12.
To keep the law is a great oblation, and he who observes the commandments sacrifices a peace offering. In works of charity one offers fine flour, and when he gives alms he presents his sacrifice of praise. To refrain from evil pleases the LORD, and to avoid injustice is an atonement. Appear not before the LORD empty-handed, for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts. The just man’s offering enriches the altar and rises as a sweet odor before the Most High. The just man’s sacrifice is most pleasing, nor will it ever be forgotten. In generous spirit pay homage to the LORD, be not sparing of freewill gifts. With each contribution show a cheerful countenance, and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy. Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously, according to your means. For the LORD is one who always repays, and he will give back to you sevenfold. But offer no bribes, these he does not accept! Trust not in sacrifice of the fruits of extortion, For he is a God of justice, who knows no favorites. The word of the Lord.
Responsorial Psalm:50(49):5-6.7-8.14.23.
R/. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.
Holy Gospel: Mark 10:28-31.
Peter began to say to Jesus, “We have given up everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come.” But many that are first will be last, and (the) last will be first.” The gospel of the Lord.
TUESDAY REFLECTIONS:
Some are called to give up much and follow Christ. For example, there are those called to the monastic life or a cloister as a religious sister. They truly give up everything of this world to seek out and follow the invitation of Christ to follow Him in this radical way.
All of us, however, are called to give up “everything” to follow Christ in our own unique way. By giving up everything, we are called to completely surrender our own will and preferences in life to serve Christ in accord with His divine plan. This may take on many forms but, in the end, it’s always a call to give up everything. The good news is that “giving up everything” is nothing other than giving up our own selfish ideals and preferences in life. The even better news is that the life He has in store for us is far better than we can dream of or imagine. So, by saying “No” to our own will and doing things our own way, we are in fact saying “Yes” to doing things in the perfect way of God.
Why wouldn’t we want to seek only His will each and every day of our lives? Why wouldn’t we want to serve Him and His perfect plan. This may take on the form of service to our families. Giving to them when we do not feel like doing so. It may mean striving to find joy in small acts of service and love. It may mean, for some, giving up all normal attachments in life so as to seek His will in a more radical way. Whatever the specific calling in life may be for you, it’s worth embracing God’s will.
Pray with me: Lord, no matter what it is You call me to do in life, the answer is “Yes.” I want to serve Your will selflessly and completely. Help me to live that calling with generosity and love. Jesus, I trust in You that You alone will heal our sick brethren and set them free. May the souls of our faithful departed brethren rest in perfect peace, amen
Contributor: Nwachukwu Nwanesi