Deut 4:32-40 / Matthew 16:24-28
If there is anything we can remember from the 1st reading, or want to remember from the 1st reading, which is from the Book of Deuteronomy, it might be this:
"Keep the laws and the commandments of God, and we will prosper and live long and be happy."
Why we might remember that, or want to remember that, is because it is a simplistic understanding of obedience to God, and it can sound rather attractive.
So it might simply mean that as long as we obey God, then God will multiply our wealth, remove sickness from us, our kids will do well in school, we will get promoted, ie. all the good things in life.
But if we disobey God, then we lose everything.
Yet, Jesus would deepen the meaning of obedience.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells that if we want to be His disciples, then we would have to renounce everything and take up our cross.
The truth that Jesus is teaching us is indeed a paradox.
For it is in letting go, that we gain; or as it is often said: Let go, and let God.
It is a difficult truth that we need to slowly come to understand.
Eventually, we must realise that obedience to God is not about gaining world riches.
Obedience to God is the realization that eternal riches are waiting for us. But while on earth, we will have to let go of whatever material gains and walk the way of Jesus, which is the way of the cross.