REFLECTIONS TODAY
Gospel • Mark 10:28-31 For not responding to Jesus’ invitation, the rich young man went away sad (Mk 10:22). This is the result of his valuing his wealth more than the true “treasures” of the Kingdom. Now Peter, as the spokesman of the disciples, tells Jesus that they have given up everything and followed him, asking him what is in store for them. Jesus assures his followers that anyone who suffers loss for his sake and for the sake of the Gospel will receive a hundred times as much. God takes nothing away from a man without restoring it to him in a new and glorious form. And his reward already begins in this life. Just as the rich man began to experience unhappiness as soon as he refused Jesus, so the disciples already begin to experience the joy of the Kingdom here on earth. But lest they think only of the prize in this present life and rest content of it, Jesus mentions “persecutions” as part of what they will receive. But persecutions can be accepted joyfully as part of the disciples’ sharing of Jesus’ own suffering (Acts 5:41). Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]); Website: [http://www.stpauls.ph](http://www.stpauls.ph).