And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life. -Matt 19:29
Friends, God is good all the time!
Amid the sadness and hardships, the COVID pandemic and Derecho have meted out to people across the Mid-West and beyond, Jesus' words in the gospel today come to bring us some comfort. The Lord always knows the things that happen around us and addresses us through His church and God's word to ignite warmth in our drooping heart and spirit.
The disciples have shown disappointment and fear over Jesus' comments about what seems to be a slim chance for the rich to be saved. Their reaction and comments tell it all:“Who then can be saved?” But consider how the words of Jesus might have lighted up their faces when He said to them, "And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more and will inherit eternal life"(Jn 19:29).
Jesus' words carried two intentions: the first is the assurance that being rich in faith was more worthy than concentrating on material riches. In James 2:5, it is written, "Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?" Jesus assures them that faith is key in being saved, not how much we have. Second, Jesus' words were to comfort them to overcome the sadness and the disappointment they were experiencing. The compassion of Jesus is expressed towards the disciples to help take away their sadness.
The aftermath of Derecho, coupled with the ongoing pandemic, has brought lots of sadness and pain to many people. In times like these, Christians are called to imitate the compassion of Christ in language and action. What if you reach out to offer support to someone who is affected much? What if you showed up to provide a word that can light up their faces? Jesus said, "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you," Jn 13:15.
Prayer blessing: Lord come to our assistance; Lord make haste to help us. Amen.