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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider What profit is there...?

What profit is there...?

Published Feb 20, 2025 04:01 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Rich in what matters to God

Thomas Cardinal Wolsey, Lord Chancellor of King Henry VIII, once held the highest ecclesiastical and political position in England. 


However, his failure to persuade Pope Clement VII to grant Henry an annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon caused his fall from power.


It is said that as he lay dying, the king sent notice to see him, but he replied, “Tell the king to leave me alone. If I had served the Lord as faithfully as I served him, I would not be afraid of facing death.” 


The cardinal was known to be worldly, greedy for wealth, and unchaste. In him, we see the truth of Jesus’ words, “What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” (v 36). 


It is but a trifle of the whole world, with its riches, honors, pleasures, which the most successful person can obtain; but granted it all lay at his feet, how would it repay him for the loss of everlasting life? Or lose his own soul (life)? 


If one loses money, or a house, or any other kind of possessions, it can be redeemed. But if one loses his soul (life), does he have another soul to redeem it? All earthly goods cannot redeem even one soul.

 

Gospel • Mark 8:34—9:1

Jesus summoned the crowd with his disciples and said to them, “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the Gospel will save it. 


What profit is there for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life? What could one give in exchange for his life? 


Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this faithless and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” 


He also said to them, “Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the Kingdom of God has come in power.”

 

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2025,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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