Note: On Tuesdays and some Sundays, you can find me at Your Daily Tripod, owned by my friend TonyD. A longer version of the post below appears there.
Everything. E-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g.
That’s what Peter told Jesus the disciples had given up in today’s lectionary Gospel reading from Mark 10. And he probably believed it too: time with their wives and children and non-believing friends and neighbors. For some, successful businesses or a steady income. For some, perhaps standing
and respect in their congregations.
It must have seemed like a lot. It was a lot.
Consider Jesus’s response. It’s not exasperation at Peter’s literalism or frustration that he hasn’t seemed to have understood the hints Jesus has already given about the future. He lays out the promise that yes, those who have given up much will receive much more. But you have to believe.
In today’s first reading from 1 Peter 1, we see Peter again, after the resurrection, after Pentecost. He’s no longer concerned about what he’s given up. Rather, he advises the faithful to be obedient and to hope for nothing but grace. His days of expecting any more tangible are done. He understands all that passes, and that grace was all that ever mattered anyway.
We can be like the Peter in the Gospel: But we’ve done so much! Don’t ask for more! Except of course, the Lord wants it all. Everything. E-v-e-r-y-t-h-in-g., no “look at all I’ve done; can’t I hold on to a little pride, a little envy, a little arrogance, a little comfort?”
May we have the trust and faith to instead sacrifice everything so that we may be worthy of more than we can ever imagine.
