Mark 10:28-31
Chapter 10
28
Peter spoke up and said:
“We have given up everything to follow you.”
29
Jesus answered:
“Truly, there is no one who has left house, or brothers or sisters, or father or mother, or children, or lands, for my sake and for the gospel,
30
who will not receive his reward. I say to you: even in the midst of persecution, he will receive a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and lands in the present time; and, in the world to come, eternal life.
31
Many who now are the first will be last, and the last will be first.”
Commentaries
The Rich Young Man.
This young man aimed to “accumulate” riches, prestige, merits, and more. Jesus suggests a change: “sharing” his life with Him (discipleship) and his wealth with the poor (detachment and solidarity). Confronted with Jesus’ proposal, the young man withdraws, as he is attached to his wealth (23). Peter, recognizing humans’ natural tendency to accumulate, asks with concern, “Who can be saved?” Jesus responds with two key points: salvation is a gift from God, and sharing life with Jesus and the poor (Good News) has its reward. Choosing the poor, those most in need, is an unavoidable decision.