Peter took this up. “Look,” he said to Jesus, “we have left everything and followed you”. 

Jesus said, “In truth, I tell you, there is no one 

who has left house, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children or land for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not receive a hundred times as much...

 -and persecutions too - now in this present time, and, 

in the time to come, eternal life. Many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.” 
(Mark 10: 28-31)
 

 Mark 10: 17-31 

We have been reflecting on the story of the rich young man this week. He has done much, and with his many riches, he seems to be a success story, yet he asks what he must do to inherit eternal life. He is seeking real meaning in his life. Perhaps he might add the question, “Who must I be to gain eternal life”? 

This young man could not let go of what filled his ego. He could not surrender to God by coming to and following Jesus then. He was not ready to hear his inner voice. He needed more, and the answer was within him. Surrender and transformation are necessary to find God’s voice and presence within us. 

What does the transformation look like? Jesus tells us not to cling to anything but to share what we have with others, to come to him in prayer, and to follow him - imitate him in being and action, not just walk behind him in following rules. Scripture tells us that Jesus went to pray and referred to the Father in all his life circumstances, including during his passion and crucifixion. We must do the same – to be in a real relationship with God, receiving and offering love and guidance on our journey.

Jesus promises that those who live for God will reap a hundredfold in this life on earth and in heaven. However, it will not be without persecution in this life. We bear a cross while living in the joy and peace of God. God accompanies us in the crosses we bear, lives in us, and redeems us. 

Here is life's paradox: "Many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.” Those seen as successful in this world may not be truly so now or for eternal life. What success will I choose? Will I trust that living in Jesus is the answer? 

Will I go deep within myself and allow God to tell me what I lack gently?

What trace of myself would I like to leave behind in this world? 

When did I feel alive this week? How does this encourage me to speak, be and act? 

Do I long to connect to God just as God longs to connect to me?

“God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.” Augustine of Hippo

Reflections by Kath Knowles

Teach us, good Lord, 
to serve you as you deserve;
to give and not to count the cost;
to fight and not to heed the wounds;
to toil and not to ask for rest,
to labour and not to ask for reward;
except that of knowing that we are doing your will.
Amen.
Prayer of St. Ignatius of Loyola

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