Saint Benedict, Abbot, Co-Patron of Europe
Gospel – Matthew 19:27-29
“And everyone who has left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children or land for the sake of my name will be repaid a hundred times over, and also inherit eternal life”. This is precisely the joy of Christian life. It’s not something exclusively about the eternal life. It also deals with the life here on earth at this present moment. The following of Jesus is not strictly related to the life after death. But it’s also related to the life here and now. What you left something for Jesus Christ, you will find it over hundred times now. Your leaving behind is not a matter of mourning but a matter of 100 times more joy. Your separation from certain things which gave your happiness will be transformed with Jesus Christ, reason to be happy 100 times more. So, following Christ is to be happy now and then also to inherit eternal life. This we can see in the life of real monks and consecrated people who left behind everything, but they are really happy and joyful. Let’s reflect: Do I recognize that following Christ is a reason to be happy here and now?
Thursday 11 July
