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Mark 10:28-31
Peter began to say to
Jesus,
“We have given up everything and followed you.”
Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you,
there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters
or mother or father or children or lands
for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel
who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age...."
Have you eaten your pancakes? Today is considered Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. In countries such as the UK and Ireland, traditionally people eat pancakes. "Pancake Day" is set aside as a way to use up rich foods such as eggs, milk and sugar before the 40 days of fasting. Eating pancakes seems quite reserved compared to the overindulgent festivities of New Orlean's famous Mardi Gras. I confess that I have never eaten pancakes on the American "Fat Tuesday." They sound delicious as I'm writing this meditation. Nothing better than breakfast for dinner! I've never over-indulged myself right before Lent. The thought of waking up with a stomach ache and a nasty hangover lying in bed next to a stranger frightens me. This scenario would most likely happen in one of my bizarre dreams than in real life! Some people may call me prudish but I'm super cautious.
For God's sake At first glance, Peter sounds like he's complaining when he says to Jesus, "We have given up everything and followed you." He's really not complaining at all but searching for an explanation. What does Jesus have planned for his disciples? Will they be granted salvation? Will they ever be able to understand what Jesus is all about? Jesus says that his disciples will be blessed a hundredfold as they leave behind everything for the sake of Christ and the Gospel. This is a huge! Even though the followers of Christ will be subjected to persecution, their faith will be worth it at the end of time. Christ's followers will be blessed with eternal life in heaven.
Are you ready? Are you ready to turn your life around? Are you ready to perform acts of penance? Are you ready to fast? Are you ready to give of your time, talent and treasure? The upcoming 40 days of Lent are a huge opportunity for us to reflect on ways we have offended God and make reparations to live a life full of faith and holiness!
During this Lenten Season, resolve to:
“We have given up everything and followed you.”
Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you,
there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters
or mother or father or children or lands
for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel
who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age...."
Have you eaten your pancakes? Today is considered Shrove Tuesday, the day before Ash Wednesday. In countries such as the UK and Ireland, traditionally people eat pancakes. "Pancake Day" is set aside as a way to use up rich foods such as eggs, milk and sugar before the 40 days of fasting. Eating pancakes seems quite reserved compared to the overindulgent festivities of New Orlean's famous Mardi Gras. I confess that I have never eaten pancakes on the American "Fat Tuesday." They sound delicious as I'm writing this meditation. Nothing better than breakfast for dinner! I've never over-indulged myself right before Lent. The thought of waking up with a stomach ache and a nasty hangover lying in bed next to a stranger frightens me. This scenario would most likely happen in one of my bizarre dreams than in real life! Some people may call me prudish but I'm super cautious.
For God's sake At first glance, Peter sounds like he's complaining when he says to Jesus, "We have given up everything and followed you." He's really not complaining at all but searching for an explanation. What does Jesus have planned for his disciples? Will they be granted salvation? Will they ever be able to understand what Jesus is all about? Jesus says that his disciples will be blessed a hundredfold as they leave behind everything for the sake of Christ and the Gospel. This is a huge! Even though the followers of Christ will be subjected to persecution, their faith will be worth it at the end of time. Christ's followers will be blessed with eternal life in heaven.
Are you ready? Are you ready to turn your life around? Are you ready to perform acts of penance? Are you ready to fast? Are you ready to give of your time, talent and treasure? The upcoming 40 days of Lent are a huge opportunity for us to reflect on ways we have offended God and make reparations to live a life full of faith and holiness!
During this Lenten Season, resolve to:
- Display a positive attitude - Don't be the negative!
- Forgive one another - Don't harbor a grudge!
- Pray for God's mercy - Don't give up!
- Give to people - Don't be stingy!
- Reflect with a smile - Don't mourn with a frown!
Have a fruitful Lent!
-J.
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