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. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first."
Occasionally we run up against apparent dead ends. It may be bankruptcy, illness, or failure; it's invariably disappointing. Suddenly the plans we made, which got us this far, go no further. No future appears.
Perhaps that's the way it is with everyone who gives up "houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name." Or, to put a more positive spin on it, what had appeared delightfully attractive paled in the light of Jesus' invitation.
We don't know what the young Virgin of Galilee expected before the surprise visit of the Angel Gabriel. Apparently her plans included Joseph of Bethlehem, but when the angel appeared she forgot everything else as this shimmering opportunity opened before her.
The birth of an infant, I would suppose, is pretty much "a hundred times more" than even an experienced mother expects of the child. You really don't know what child is this who is born into your family.
Some families, unfortunately, try to head off any unexpected unpleasantness. They abort even at the suggestion the child might be less than perfect. They will certainly be hugely disappointed at whatever child is born; no human being is perfect and every child makes extraordinary, unexpected demands upon family and society. The method is known as birth control, which should sound like an oxymoron to anyone who thinks deeply on the matter. How can you control a human being?
Jesus invites his disciples to receive whatever life gives them. Surrendering the possessions they have hoarded, both worldly stuff and social expectations, they receive a life of adventure. Past and present point to, but fail to limit, future possibilities.
One thing, however, is certain: we'll have innumerable companions on the road, including saints, angels and the Most Blessed Queen of Heaven.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.