Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you
that you who have followed me, in the new age,
when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory,
will yourselves sit on twelve thrones,
judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters
or father or mother or children or lands
for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more,
and will inherit eternal life.” (Mt 19:28-29)
St. Benedict, whose memorial we celebrate today, was instrumental in giving a Rule for monks to follow. The Benedictine way of life is one of community and fraternity. It is one which encourages its followers to welcome the stranger and make them feel like a guest. It is a rule which invites the monk to simplicity and trust.
Jesus’ disciples, in today’s Gospel passage, wanted to know what was in it for them if they followed the Lord. Jesus told them that they would receive many times more if they gave up what they had. They would become part of a greater family, a family that would love and encourage its members.
Benedict brought this way of life to those who chose to follow his Rule.
Jesus brings this way of life to those of us who choose to follow Him.
If we want more of what God has to offer, we must be willing to give up what we have. In a great mystery, the more we give up and let go, the more God fills us with good things.
God will not abandon us. God will not let us go unfulfilled. God will not leave us in poverty. God will provide.
We, for our part, need to trust.
FAITH ACTION: Do you have something that you believe will benefit someone else? Give it to that person today.