March 4, 2025: TUESDAY OF THE 8TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME Saint Casimir

Mark 10:28-31 THE REWARD FOR FOLLOWING CHRIST "Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left 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, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life." (Mark 10:29-30) Reflection: Peter was troubled because he had “left everything to follow the Lord.” Jesus reassured him that such sacrifice does not mean losing everything. He promised that those who forsake possessions and family “for Christ and for the Gospel” will receive a hundredfold even in this life. However, everything has a price. They will also face persecutions—sometimes even martyrdom. Yet, God’s generosity knows no bounds. To those who follow Him, He grants not only abundant blessings in this life but also eternal life in the world to come. A Personal Invitation: There are moments when we struggle, torn between following Christ and clinging to worldly benefits, careers, or even our loved ones. Sometimes, we may have to sacrifice everything, even our very lives. However, God will never let us suffer in vain. He promises to reward us a hundredfold in this life and infinitely more in eternal life. Saint Paul expressed this conviction: "I consider everything as a loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake, I have accepted the loss of all things, and I consider them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him." (Philippians 3:8-9) Living the Word of God: Practice small daily sacrifices to prepare for greater acts of surrender "for Christ and for the Gospel." Prayer: Lord Jesus, I still struggle with letting go to follow You completely. Give me the grace to surrender everything in my life to You with a generous heart. Amen.