8th Week in Ordinary Time
30th May 2023 (Tuesday) Readings and Reflection
Reading of the Day
First Reading: SIRACH 35. 1-12
He who keeps the law makes many offerings; he who heeds the commandments sacrifices a peace offering. He who returns a kindness offers fine flour, and he who gives alms sacrifices a thank offering. To keep from wickedness is pleasing to the Lord, and to forsake unrighteousness is atonement. Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed, for all these things are to be done because of the commandment. The offering of a righteous man anoints the altar, and its pleasing odour rises before the Most High. The sacrifice of a righteous man is acceptable, and the memory of it will not be forgotten. Glorify the Lord generously and do not stint the firstfruits of your hands. With every gift show a cheerful face and dedicate your tithe with gladness. Give to the Most High as he has given and as generously as you are able.
Psalm 50:5-6, 7-8, 14 and 23
R/. To one whose way is blameless, I will show the salvation of God.
Gospel : Mark 10:28-31
28 Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.” 29 Jesus said, “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, 30 who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. 31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”
Daily Gospel Reflection
The Reflection by Fr. Thumma Mariadas Reddy MSFS{alertWarning}
Main Theme: Oblation is an entire life!
Indicative: Oblations, sacrifices and offerings are good because they are the external signs of religious adherence. But they are not enough!{alertSuccess}
1. A spirit of detachment, self-offering and generosity and justice in observance of commandments and acts of charity are far more pleasing to God than all the other religious sacrifices and offerings.
2. The episode of the encounter of the young man with Jesus was just then over. The young man goes away sad. He was not able to accept the challenge of total renunciation and then the following of Jesus.
3. It is in this context, Peter seeks clarity about their own destiny. They stand in contrast to the rich young man. Unlike him, they responded immediately to the call of Jesus. They gave up everything. They followed Jesus.
4. In line with the first reading, they offer pleasing gifts to God, not so much by sacrifices and atonements, but by their very life. It is a life of complete detachment from the world and commitment to the Lord.
5. Peter states, “We have given up everything and followed you”. This need not mean that he is boastful about their giving up and following Jesus. Nor is he inquisitive about their reward. It is more about seeking clarity about the end and destiny of their fidelity. Their response is not futile. It is highly worthwhile and rewarding.
6. Following Jesus with renunciation brings forth already here on earth rich dividends, even in terms of material abundance and new spiritual relationships. Furthermore, it obtains the greatest reward of eternal life.
7. However, Jesus is never a false promise. He cautions realistically of the necessity and occurrence of persecutions, along with blessings. He also clarifies candidly that there cannot be guarantees or pretensions when he says, “The first will be last and the last will be first”.
Imperative: Charity and justice, testified in a life of devotion and dedication are highly commendable and relishable in God’s sight{alertSuccess}