Reward with Persecutions

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Eight Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mk 10:28-31*

*First Reading : 1 Pt 1:10-16*

*Reward with Persecutions*

*1) Reward For Gods work*

The Gospel reveals a great truth in today's Gospel

Every Work, either small or great, done for the spreading and building of the Kingdom of God will be rewarded 

There is no work which will go unrewarded. Jesus says *if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”* Mt 10:42

*2) 100 times more reward*

God has a different calculation for reward 

In our reasoning the reward is a kind of recognition, which does not equal the work done in actual situation 

The value of the work always remains much higher than the value of the reward. This is what we see in our day today life 

But when God gives us reward the value of the reward is 100 times more than the value of the work 

So God does not calculate and give. He simply gives 

The logic of Gods giving is found in the Gospel *A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.* Lk 6:38

*3) Reward with Persecution*

The Gospel also clearly states that reward always comes with much persecution 

All those who have given up their personal interest and work for the kingdom of God are usually targeted and persecuted 

This is clearly seen in our surroundings. The followers are Jesus are persecuted and threatened for the good work they do in the service of the needy

In other words persecutions are the part of the reward. 

*4) God's reward is lasting forever*

The rewards which are given by the human beings lasts only for few years 

But the reward which comes from God, lasts forever. 

The reward which we get in this life and the reward which we get in the next life, lasts forever

We need to work for such reward and not for fleeting reward 

*5) Human weakness to crave for earthly reward*

There is a natural tendency in all of us to desire for earthly rewards 

As a result at times we forget about the eternal reward and also the mission required for eternal reward 

So we need to be very careful about this tendency and need to work for eternal reward 

*6) Reward in my Life?*

What type of reward I desire in my life? 

Is it earthly reward or eternal reward?

Jesus says *“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.* Mt 6:1

Do I wish to have reward from Heavenly Father or from men?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*