1 Peter 1:10-16 / Mark 10:28-31
The phrase “give and take” means that in life, we have to make mutual concessions so as to share benefits.
It means that adjustments and cooperation have to be made in relationships or teamwork.
Each person gives up some of their preferences so as to get some rewards.
But the rewards have to be real and achievable, otherwise there might be no point in making sacrifices
In the gospel, Peter asked Jesus, “What about us? We have left everything and followed you.”
So, it is a human tendency to want to know what is there to gain, what are the benefits or rewards in giving up something or making sacrifices.
Even the first reading says that the prophets were looking and searching for what they foretold.
They tried to find out at what time and in what circumstances their prophesies would be fulfilled.
But as Jesus said in the gospel, there will be rewards when we make sacrifices or when we give up something for God.
So, we can also apply the “give and take” saying to our lives.
We give up our lives to Jesus, and we take up His promises to us.
Happy are we when we realise that our greatest reward is Jesus Himself.