Word to the Wise
Tuesday, August 18, 2020 - Tuesday in the 20th Week in Ordinary Time
[Ezek 28:1-10 and Matt 19:23-30]Peter said to [Jesus] in reply, "We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?" Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life." [Matthew]
This dialog follows the encounter between Jesus and the rich young man, whom Jesus challenged to give up his "many possessions" to follow him. We were told he "went away sad, for he had many possessions. The disciples are dumbfounded by Jesus' response to the young man. In their estimation, wealth was a great blessing. Jesus tells them that the wealthier a person gets, the more they have to give their allegiance to taking care of. So, Peter asks the question on everyone's minds, "So, what's in it for us?" Jesus promises them a prominent role in the establishment of his kingdom, but promises "eternal life" to all who are willing to give up possessions and relationships (even family) for the sake of his name.
Does that promise seem like "pie in the sky by and by" to us? The "new age" that Jesus speaks of in the gospels is not something beyond the grave. It comes to pass when Christians take their faith seriously and behave accordingly. The gift of eternal life is not "earned" by our actions. Our actions are in response to the gift! Do we consider that gift too expensive to have? Do we own our "stuff: or does our "stuff" own us? Jesus' response to the young man is not against private property but it does place possessions (and relationships) in a perspective larger than our immediate wants and needs. How much do we value the gift of faith? What would we be willing to forego to respond to that gift? If we find such questions disturbing, we are in good company with Peter and the disciples! AMEN