The Word among Us: A Catholic Devotional based on the Daily Mass Reading & Meditation for Tuesday, 26 May 2015

The Word among Us: A Catholic Devotional based on the Daily Mass Reading & Meditation for Tuesday, 26 May 2015

Meditation: Mark 10:28 Kefa began saying to him, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.” 29 Yeshua said, “Yes! I tell you that there is no one who has left house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children or fields, for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, 30 who will not receive a hundred times over, now, in the ‘olam hazeh, homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and lands — with persecutions! — and in the ‘olam haba, eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first!”

Saint Philip Neri, Priest

The last will be first. (Mark 10:31)

A bit of context can help us here. Jesus had just said that it was easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. Such an unsettling statement led Peter to worry: If the rich, who are generally thought to be the most successful, the most intelligent, and the hardest working, will find it hard, what chance do I have? I’m just a poor fisherman!

Jesus, upon hearing the frustration in Peter’s voice, helped clear up his worry. It is precisely those who are “last,” those who don’t appear to have it all together, who have the best hope of entering the kingdom of God. It’s the last, the ones who appear lowly, who are willing to surrender to Jesus.

By contrast, those who are content, those who find their primary satisfaction in the world and its accomplishments, won’t feel the need for Jesus. Like the rich young man who had just come to Jesus, they will walk away “sad” and unsatisfied (Mark 10:22).

This reading shows us that Jesus knows our hearts. He knows our intentions, even if our actions don’t always match up. He sees all the little sacrifices that we make for him. Every time you refrain from harsh or angry words, he sees it. Every time you turn aside from temptation, he rejoices. Every time you go out of your way, even a little, to help someone else, he pours out blessings.

So take heart! Even if you think you are in the “last” category—passed over, never noticed, not especially heroic, forgotten about—Jesus has you in “first” place. He loves you. He is on your side. He wants nothing more than to welcome you into his kingdom. It’s the hidden acts of faith and trust that draw his heart. It’s the small decisions to stay close to him that move him. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, you can always turn to him as Peter did and ask, “Do you not see?” He will always respond by encouraging you, just as he did for Peter.

“Jesus, thank you for giving me the grace to love and serve you. Help me to trust that you have a place set aside for me in your kingdom.” Amen!

Sirach 35: The Law and Sacrifices

1 The one who keeps the law makes many offerings;

2     one who heeds the commandments makes an offering of well-being.

3 The one who returns a kindness offers choice flour,

4     and one who gives alms sacrifices a thank offering.

5 To keep from wickedness is pleasing to the Lord,

    and to forsake unrighteousness is an atonement.

6 Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed,

7     for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the commandment.

8 The offering of the righteous enriches the altar,

    and its pleasing odor rises before the Most High.

9 The sacrifice of the righteous is acceptable,

    and it will never be forgotten.

10 Be generous when you worship the Lord,

    and do not stint the first fruits of your hands.

11 With every gift show a cheerful face,

    and dedicate your tithe with gladness.

12 Give to the Most High as he has given to you,

    and as generously as you can afford.

Psalm 50:5 “Gather to me my faithful,

those who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.”

6 The heavens proclaim his righteousness,

for God himself is judge. (Selah)

7 “Listen, my people, I am speaking:

Isra’el, I am testifying against you,

I, God, your God.

8 I am not rebuking you for your sacrifices;

your burnt offerings are always before me.

14 Offer thanksgiving as your sacrifice to God,

pay your vows to the Most High,

23 “Whoever offers thanksgiving

as his sacrifice honors me;

and to him who goes the right way

I will show the salvation of God.”

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