[ Daily Readings ]
It is easy to forget how good the Good News is. We start to take it for granted and get used to it. But this same truth to which we have access each day is something about which prophets prophesied, searched and investigated. It is something into which angels longed to look.
Listen to Peter.
“We have given up everything and followed you.”
Yet he says this, apparently, for reassurance. He feels a little bit empty because of the things he gives up. Perhaps he has a sense of what is coming.
that the Spirit of Christ within them indicated
when it testified in advance
to the sufferings destined for Christ
and needs to make sure about "the glories to follow them."
Jesus understands. He knows it is difficult for Peter to appreciate the eternal weight of glory in the midst of our light momentary afflictions (see Second Corinthians 4:17). He reassures him about the treasure he has found, a treasure worth more than the entire field in which it is found. That's why it is OK to exchange "mother or father or children or lands" for the sake of Jesus and for the sake of the Gospel. It is a hundred times more even "in this present age". In the age to come eye has not seen nor ear heard what awaits (see First Corinthians 2:9). Jesus is a realist. Persecutions are part of the package. But when we know how valuable the pearl of great price is we don't mind paying that price.
Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, live soberly,
and set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you
at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Our hopes are set on grace, but not completely. Today Jesus offers us grace to more completely hope in him, to put him first, and to let go of the things of this world that keep us from following him.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
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