RBWords

     Peter's question is a basic one that really strikes deeply into the human heart.  What is Jesus offering that we should follow him instead of the many other possibilities that our culture and age offer?  Jesus' reply to Peter and the apostles is to assure them of a special role in the "new age," but then he promises everyone who follows him who have given up "houses, or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name" that they will receive a "hundred times ore and will inherit eternal life."

     The context for this question and answer is provided in the passage that would have appeared yesterday but was displaced by the celebration of the feast of the Assumption.  It is the story of the rich young man who came to Jesus asking what he must do to gain eternal life.  When Jesus challenged him to sell all his possessions, give the money to the poor, and come and follow him, he went away sad for he had many possessions.  Jesus then reflects on how hard it is for the very wealthy to gain eternal life!  Peter and the disciples are "astonished."  In their estimation, material wealth reflected the great blessings of God!  Jesus is telling them the opposite may be true.  But it goes deeper than money.  Jesus refers to something even greater than money.  He refers to house, family and land - all of these were fundamental to survival in that harsh land!  In short, he is saying, "If you put me first, the rest will take care of itself and you will not truly want for anything."  We are put in the position of Peter trying to walk on water or the rich young man seeking eternal life.  We have to put our trust in Jesus completely!

     Surrounded as we are by a consumer culture that seeks to satisfy every need, Jesus' challenge seems too much.  We may think that this is the gospel for poor folks who don't have anything to begin with.  As far as I know there is no "fine print" that exempts anyone from the challenge.  We know what we will receive in return for our commitment.  Are we ready to make it?  AMEN