Peter began to say to Jesus,
‘We have given up everything and followed you.”
We sometimes remind Jesus of what we give up for him out of pride. We don't realize how silly it is to say, 'look what I'm doing for you, God.' Indeed if we are called to sacrifice for God the benefit is for us and not for him.
Peter's motivation is probably different since Jesus encourages him. He is probably genuinely missing the things he gave up and the happiness they once gave him. Jesus reminds him that what he has given up is small compared to what he receives.
Jesus said, “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
Even here in this life it is far more rewarding to put God first than to seek happiness on our own terms. We may wonder why this isn't always our experience. It is comforting to see that Jesus is realistic with Peter.
with persecutions,
It isn't just that he has given up so much. In its place he finds what can only be regarded as difficult circumstances. Jesus acknowledges these because he is a realist. But he says this to assure Peter that amidst these persecutions even "now in this present age" there are unbelievable blessings for him. And when we make God's will our happiness we are not building on shifting sand. The foundation is being laid for our happiness in heaven.
and eternal life in the age to come.
This is why praise is the sacrifice that God desires most. Praise that truly acknowledges God as first before ourselves is the context which makes all other sacrifices meaningful.
“Offer to God praise as your sacrifice
and fulfill your vows to the Most High.
He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me;
and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.”
When we develop a habit of praise we begin to order our lives in accordance with the truth. We are more free to make the other sacrifices which the LORD asks of us.
In works of charity one offers fine flour,
and when he gives alms he presents his sacrifice of praise.
Our praise will enable us to recognize more perfectly who God is. We will then see more clearly his great love for us. Confident in this love we will be able to respond with nothing held back.
Give to the Most High as he has given to you,
generously, according to your means.
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