Monday, May 27, 2013

8th Week, Ordinary Time, Tuesday, 28-05-13

Ecclesiasticus 35:1-12 / Mark 10:28-31

The term "delayed gratification", or deferred gratification, is the ability to resist the temptation for an immediate reward and wait for a later reward.

Generally, delayed gratification is associated with resisting a smaller but more immediate reward in order to receive a larger or more enduring reward later.

In a way, Christianity can be seen as religion that talks about this delayed gratification - suffering here on earth and then a reward in heaven.

That could be what Peter was talking about when he asked Jesus what would be in store for them since they had left everything and followed Him.

The reply that Jesus gave has two important aspects that concerns offering sacrifices and making acts of charity.

Whatever we give up and offer as a sacrifice has to be for the sake of Jesus and for the sake of the gospel.

And together with that, we must even be prepared for persecutions for doing such things.

But even without talking about persecutions, the disposition (or the attitude) that we should have in giving up things and giving away things is important enough.

As the 1st reading teaches us: Add a smiling face to all your gifts, and be cheerful as you dedicate your tithes.

That would bring about a blessing for others and for ourselves too. And it will be now in this present time and in the world to come.