Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: March 4, 2025

Tuesday of the 8th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: Mark 10:28-31

Peter began to say to Jesus, 'We have given up everything and followed you." 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 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. But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

Today’s gospel reading from Mark follows our reading yesterday when Jesus challenged the rich young man to sell all he owned and follow Jesus. Jesus acknowledged how wealth can be an obstacle to faith. In today’s reading Peter wants to know the fate of those who have followed Jesus, such as himself. Jesus assures Peter he will be rewarded greatly.

Jesus’ words, “But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first." Take us back to his conversation with the rich young man. Whereas wealth often confers prestige and honors on earth, it can be an impediment to the heavenly kingdom.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

What am I willing to give up for Christ?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, You came as my brother. You dwelt among humanity. You taught us, You healed us, You fed us, and You revealed the love of our Heavenly Father when You offered Yourself, though sinless, for our sins upon the cross of Calvary. As I prepare for my Lenten journey, grant that I may be strengthened by the Spirit. May these weeks ahead of prayer, sacrifice, and fasting open my mind and heart and soul more fully to You and to your saving and transformative love. Amen.