“Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time . . .” – Mark 10:29-30

My family and I came to Canada a few years ago as missionaries for the Light of Jesus Family. Most people couldn’t understand why we had to leave the Philippines just when years of sweat and hard work in Manila had already borne fruit. We finally owned a house and cars. We had several businesses. In a way, we can say that we were already in our harvest season there. 

Going to Canada meant starting from scratch and planting again. There were a lot of things to let go. It was a tough decision to make, but we did it with happy hearts. We embraced God’s mission for us. In return, He embraced us by taking care of our family here in Canada.

What is God asking you to leave or let go today? Is itanger? Shame? Unforgiveness? Or some toxic people in your life? 

Leave all these in God’s hands and hold on to His promises. You will receive a hundredfold of what you give up for Him—not just in monetary value, but in joy and peace in your heart. Mia Bueno (buenos@yahoo.com)

reflect

What is God asking you to leave or let go today? Let go and let God.

Father, thank You for Your promises in my life. Help me to leave my worries and pains to You. Help me to trust You more. Amen.

Saint Casimir, pray for us.

It is important to know our intention in doing the things we do. There is no merit in doing something good for the wrong intention. Today’s reading reminds us to live a virtuous life where the things we say and do, and the intention behind our actions are good and holy.

¹ To keep the law is a great oblation, and he who observes the commandments sacrifices a peace offering. ² In works of charity one offers fine flour, and when he gives alms he presents his sacrifice of praise. ³ To refrain from evil pleases the Lord, and to avoid injustice is an atonement. ⁴ Appear not before the Lord empty-handed, for all that you offer is in fulfillment of the precepts. ⁵ The just one’s offering enriches the altar and rises as a sweet odor before the Most High. ⁶ The just one’s sacrifice is most pleasing, nor will it ever be forgotten. ⁷ In generous spirit pay homage to the Lord, be not sparing of freewill gifts. ⁸ With each contribution show a cheerful countenance, and pay your tithes in a spirit of joy. ⁹ Give to the Most High as he has given to you, generously, according to your means. ¹⁰ For the Lord is one who always repays, and he will give back to you sevenfold. ¹¹ But offer no bribes, these he does not accept! Trust not in sacrifice of the fruits of extortion. ¹² For he is a God of justice, who knows no favorites. 

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 50:5-6, 7-8, 14, 23

R: To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

⁵ “Gather my faithful ones before me, those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” ⁶ And the heavens proclaim his justice; for God himself is the judge. (R) ⁷ “Hear, my people, and I will speak Israel, I will testify against you; God, your God, am I. ⁸ Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you, for your burnt offerings are before me always. (R) ¹⁴ “Offer to God praise as your sacrifice and fulfill your vows to the Most High. ²³ He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me; and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.” (R)

Gospel | Mark 10:28-31

We all tend to be mercenary, wondering what we are going to get in return for the things we do. Today’s Gospel teaches us to do things for others’ sake. We will eventually discover that such actions rebound to us and are good for us. This is how virtue and goodness work—they attract one another and multiply. Let us be committed in doing good and discover how the balance of things that happen is also good.

Gospel Acclamation

Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.

²⁸ Peter began to say to Jesus, “We have given up everything and followed you.” ²⁹ 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 ³⁰ who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come. ³¹ But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

Reflect:

When you decided to follow the Lord, what did you think was “in it” for you?

Read the Bible in one year! Read JUDE today.

Families and friends of incoming Jesuit novices gather together at the novitiate’s reception for the entrance day rite. After introductions and speeches from the novices, friends are given ample time to bid farewell to the incoming novices. Then, it’s the families’ turn to say goodbye to their sons or brothers. 

We often focus on what we give up for the Lord, like Peter did in the Gospel today. Where does all this giving up lead us? Is this all worth it? We want to be assured of our “return of investment.” We expect something in return for following the Lord. We often focus on what we let go rather than what we have.

By following Jesus, Peter began his journey of reordering his life—this time, centered on Jesus. Giving up may have its sufferings and sacrifices, but the very choice is already a reward in itself. All the rest are but bonuses. Although giving up is painful, it is necessary to order our lives accordingly, to open ourselves, and to free up space in our lives for God to fill them with what He desires to give us. 

Now back to the Jesuit entrance day story. As the last farewell is said, the last note is sung, and the final blessing invoked, the gates and doors are banged. Families and friends leave with one person less. What is often lost in the drama is the Jesuit novice master’s assurance, “Today, you are not losing a son or a friend. You are gaining a family!” Months later, families and friends gather for the visiting Sunday. And these regular gatherings continue even after the Jesuit dies! Fr. Bros Flores, SJ

reflection questions

What do you find difficult to let go? Why? 

Lord Jesus, come and reign in my heart so I may fully appreciate how richly blessed I am despite letting go of many things and people in my life. Amen.

Today, I pray for: _____________________________________