8th Week in Ord. Time, Tuesday – 1st March 2022 — Gospel: Mark 10,28-31
Never Count the Cost
While Peter was a travelling companion and disciple of Jesus, he often missed the point of what Jesus’ mission was all about. Even though he had given up lot – the family business of fishing boats and nets, his family – yet, he wanted to know what he and the other disciples were going to gain from following Jesus. Peter’s relationship with Jesus still needs a clarity of development. He is still in the self-interest stage. He is still thinking of himself and what he will receive from his current behaviour. It is true that he left his family and fishing trade. At this point of time, he was mesmerized by the itinerant preacher, Jesus and questions whether it had been really worth following him at all.
Jesus promises to Peter and the other disciples that those who have given up personal relationships and possessions will be replaced by the new bond that they will share with each other both in this life and in the life to come. Yet, Jesus remarks that if we are focusing on either the hardships we must endure or the rewards we will attain, we have missed the point. What is important is our attitude of acting as the least among others – the servant attitude. As servants, we should never count the personal cost or rewards of labour. We are asked to look at the needs of others and work towards spreading the Good News of God’s love generously.
