Eighth Tuesday of Ordinary Time

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.

Jesus promises us that no matter what we give up to follow him, we shall be rewarded a hundred times more. The worldly things which we place so much importance on are as nothing compared to the boons of eternal life in the age to come. Of course, he also warns us that along with giving everything up, we will also suffer persecutions from others who do not understand why we turn our backs on worldly things. Sometimes those who oppose and tempt us will be family, other times friends, and still more will be our neighbors and those whom we meet each day. We should take heart in Jesus’ call to give everything up and follow him because if we don’t, we risk losing not only our purpose, but also our lives. We just have to be patient and mild, doing God’s work until the day He calls us home and rewards us for our good and faithful service to Him and His children.

Are we willing to give up everything for God? What are those things we have the most trouble letting go of? How can we sacrifice them to God for the forgiveness of our sins, the resurrection of our bodies, and life ever-lasting?

O Lord, we give up everything to you.

Amen.

Seventh Thursday of Ordinary Time

Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward. Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were put around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.

Jesus speaks of reward and punishment in these two lines. He speaks of the consolation of Heaven awaiting those who are charitable and faithful and the chastisement of Hell for those who do evil or lead others astray. In this way, Jesus reminds us that our lives aren't insular. They have an effect on others for both good and ill. We might try to convince ourselves that our sins are private and don't hurt others, but that isn't true. Even the most private of sins have some effect on others, even if only indirectly. This is why it is so important to not only be faithful, but also charitable. Charity requires us to think of others. It asks us to put aside our own selfish inclinations and do what is right and good for those around us. The wonderful thing about acting out of love is that it gives an example of God's love for others to see and be affected by. Our good works inspire others to do good, too.

Are we bringing cups of goodness to others? What are the sins we suffer from that are leading not only us, but others astray? How can we do a better job of leading people to Jesus and not away from him?

O Lord, let us remember that all our actions affect others in some way and to always choose the ones that lead others to you.

Amen.