Wednesday 11 July
Matthew 19:27-29 • St Benedict (Patron of Europe) (Feast)
‘What’s in it for me?’ is a common, understandable and human question. Sometimes this impulse is expressed openly and clearly, as in the case of Peter in today’s Gospel, but more often than not it is hidden from sight, nursed deep down in our hearts.
We may not like to admit or confess, even to ourselves, that this question plays an important part in most things we do. To be fair, it is asked most pointedly whenever we ‘go the extra mile’ or ‘go beyond the call of duty’ or give of our money, our time or our energies and there appears to be no prospect of a return or a reward. Such a return or reward does not have to be financial: sometimes it can be affirmation, acknowledgement and gratitude. The question ‘What’s in it for me?’ reveals also that nagging and very real fear we have of being exploited, taken for granted or, worse, taken for a ride. We should be grateful to Peter for his candour, simplicity and honesty. He is blunt, direct and even emotional when he asks the Lord, in effect, ‘What’s in it for us?’ (v. 27).
What is fascinating is that Jesus does not rebuke or challenge him for his apparent impudence and selfishness. It is almost as if the Lord understands this as a reasonable question. His answer is both comforting and encouraging because reward and blessing are promised to those who have ‘left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother’ for the gospel (v. 29).
We tend to think that this kind of self-sacrifice applies to those who embrace the religious life: priests, monks, brothers and nuns. Lay people don’t tend to associate this level of sacrifice with themselves. However, we are all called to different degrees of self-giving and devotion, and no state has a premium on generosity of heart. God knows what each of us has given up for the gospel. Lay people, for example, often are called upon to bear witness to their faith in the workplace. This can result in ridicule and being mocked, ignored and so on. We can be sure that God, our heavenly Father, understands all our needs and wants, and will richly reward our love and service.
Today, we celebrate the feast day of St Benedict, who left everything to follow Christ. We give thanks for his witness and the rich reward he received.
St Benedict, pray for us.
Proverbs 2:1-9 • Psalm 33(34)
Matthew 19:27-29
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