Daily Reflection Tuesday of the Eighth Week of Ordinary Time

I can just picture Peter, after telling Jesus he gave up everything to follow him, thinking I’m good. I’m not like that rich guy I said yes, I’m here now. Then here comes Jesus to knock the wind right out of Peter’s sail by saying “but many that are first will be last and the last will be first.” That had to cause Peter and the others to pause and rethink what they are doing.

If I were there, I would be wondering what more can I give up? I already said yes to following Jesus, but maybe my saying “no” is what Jesus is waiting to hear. My saying no to binge watching a show and instead of spending time with him in prayer. My saying no to another pair of shoes and giving that money to the poor. My saying no to just running in and out of church on Sunday and staying a little longer to teach a religious education class. My saying no to the things that distract me from Jesus. Sometimes saying no can be just as powerful as saying yes. 

Jesus wants our giving to be of ourselves in care of others. He wants us to put others first. He wants us to know that we are all family and that when we put the least of us first, we will be rewarded one day. Jesus was the most generous person to walk the face of the earth. His generosity came in the form of love. A love so beautiful that he gave his life for us. 

 Jesus never said following him would be easy but as Saint Peter said in 2 Corinthians 9:11 “you will be enriched in every way for your great generosity.”  So following Jesus, what’s it worth to you?