or father or mother, or children, or lands, for my sake, and for the gospel, who will not
receive his reward. I say to you: even in the midst of persecution, he will receive a
hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and lands in the
present time; and, in the world to come, eternal life. Do pay attention: many who now
are the first will be last, and the last, first.”

Reflect

When I was a child, my parents had to remind me continually to share my toys and my
treats. I never wanted to let go of the things I thought of as mine. After all, if I shared
my candies with my sisters, I wouldn’t have as many for myself. I thought that was even
if I had more candies than I could eat. Even as an adult there is a lurking fear that if I give
to others, I won’t have enough for myself.

Today’s readings upend that sort of thinking, reminding us that everything we have is
a gift from God. When we share these gifts generously, we please him. God will
not let our generosity go unrewarded. he will make sure that we have what we
need – though perhaps not what we want. Giving generously of our time, treasure,
and talent will make us true followers of Christ who gave everything he had so that
we might share his greatest gift – eternal life.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2023