Tuesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

Readings of the Day
RB: Ch 28 The Treatment of Those Who Relapse
Mass: Si 35:1-12; Resp Ps 50; Mk 10:28-31

We have given up everything and followed you.

Welcome to the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, given other titles depending on where you find yourself: Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Tuesday, Pancake Day, Fastnachtsdienstag, Carnival, or Mardi Gras! There are many other titles just out Wikipedia! 

In today's Gospel Peter says to Jesus: 'We have given up everything to follow you.' Everything? My experience tells me that there is always something else to give up. Give to the Most High as He has given to you, generously, according to your means. For the Lord is one who always repays, and He will give back to you sevenfold. 

MANY THAT ARE FIRST WILL BE LAST, AND THE LAST WILL BE FIRST.

Those who, like the apostles, have left all their possessions behind for His sake will be given back a hundredfold … The riches which come in their place, however, will be a pure gift from God, a new manifestation of His grace and a source of continual thanksgiving.

(André Louf)

Jesus wants to set us free, free from everything that prevents us from fully following our vocation, free also from everyone who prevents us from fully knowing God's unconditional love. 

(Henri Nouwen)

The Holy Father's March Prayer Intention:

It might be hard for us to believe, but there are more martyrs today than in the first centuries.

They are persecuted because they speak the truth and proclaim Jesus Christ to this society.

This happens particularly where religious freedom is not yet guaranteed.

However, it also happens in countries where, in theory and on paper, they protect freedom and human rights.

Let us pray that Christian communities, especially those who are persecuted, feel that they are close to Christ and have their rights respected.