Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

 

“But many that are first will be last, and the last first.”

 

Gospel Reading: 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.”

 

What is it that we treasure most in life?  What do you place first in your life?  Christ tells us that everyone who gives up their material possessions for God will be rewarded a hundred times more when they arrive in the kingdom of heaven.  Unfortunately, it is not easy for us to give up our earthly treasures that we can touch and feel for the heavenly treasures which are not always readily visible to us.  Therefore, it is our faith that leads us to make sacrifices now for the treasures that await us later.  It is our hope in the eternal life that guides us to the Father.  We still must shed everything that keeps us from entering the Kingdom of Heaven.  While we may feel at the bottom of the pile, the more we sacrifice here on earth, the greater we are rewarded in heaven.  When we remove ourselves from the bondage of our material possessions, we remove ourselves from the baggage which they possess.  This transfers the power from the earthly goods to the heavenly goods. Once we release our need for the earthly goods, we gain control over these items and not vice versa.  By giving up everything, we remove ourselves from our selfish behavior.  In return, we develop a charitable heart.  A heart which allows us to give more fully of ourselves.  By giving everything away, we get it all back plus more.  This does not suggest that we will become millionaires, but that we will no longer be controlled by our worldly possessions.  

 

Jesus lists persecution as one of our rewards.  When we become like Christ, we share in the true glory of God.  Christ was persecuted and suffered for our salvation.  We must also be willing to share in the same persecution.  When we share in the burden of the cross, we help Christ burden the pain he endured for all of humanity.  We also must suffer to fully achieve the glory of God the Father in Heaven.  No earthly good or possession can equate to the peace and joy in knowing and loving God.  Christ offers us a true vision of Heaven if we are willing to make the sacrifice.  Every day you should ask yourself this simple question, “Is eternity worth it?” Your actions for that day will decide whether you chose eternity separated from God or eternity connected to God.  What is your choice?

 

A Simple Prayer

 

Come Holy Spirit, fill my heart with the peace and joy of the Gospel.

May I be filled with the knowledge of God’s personal love.

Breakaway the bonds of my worldly possessions so I can live more closely to thee.

 

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon