“SET YOUR HOPE FULLY UPON THE GRACE THAT IS COMING TO YOU” (1 Pet 1:13)

⏰Tuesday of the Eighth Week of Ordinary Time 2 (29 May 2018)

📖1 Pet 1:10-16; Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4 (R.v.2a); Mark 10:28-31

Today is said to be Democracy Day in Nigeria. Democracy is defined as the government of the people, by the people and for the people. In a democratic state, the good of the people is paramount but in the case of Nigeria now, it seems that the good of animals is more important to our leaders. How else can we explain the daily destruction of human lives by herdsmen in our country? Today, we cry out with St. Peter, “Save us Lord, for we are perishing” (cf. Matt 14:30).

After all that Jesus said about the young man, who was obviously keeping the commandments of God but only lacking in charity (cf. Mark 10:17-27), his disciples became worried, thinking that it would be difficult for anyone to be saved. Now, they wanted to be sure they are not going to lose out too like the rich young man, so they reminded him, “… We have left everything and followed you” (Mark 10:28).

Yes! That is what Jesus wanted! He asked the young man to leave everything and follow him (cf. Mark 10:21).

True discipleship comes with total detachment from old master (see 1Pet 1:14) and complete followership of the new Master (1Pet 1:15) without allowing yourself to be distracted by side attractions (Mark 10:29). Note that DETACHMENT is the word.

Is there any way I go back to the things I have left to follow Christ – wealth, women, etc? Am I truly making efforts not to go back to those things I sacrificed in order to follow Jesus faithfully?

May God grant us the grace of being faithful disciples of Christ today and ever. Amen.

Have a lovely and faithful day ahead. Peace be with you.