Fr Peter Ireorji, MSP - Homily Tuesday, March 5, 2019

Peter asked the candid question, “What about us? We have left everything and followed you.” Mk 10:28. He and his colleagues had given up much to be followers of Jesus. They may have wondered if it was really worth it all. We too have responded to God’s call, maybe not in such a radical way as the apostles who left their livelihood and family for a very uncertain future. Perhaps we might be tempted to ask like Peter; “Is it worthwhile trying to live by the values of the gospel day in and day out.” The answer is “Yes, in the long run it is worth the effort.” Jesus promises that when we give of ourselves for his sake, we will receive much more than we give up. In particular, we will gain a new experience of family, far beyond the confines of our blood family. We will find ourselves co-travellers with others who are trying to take the same path as ourselves; we will experience the richness of the church, as the communion of saints. That community embraces not only those of us still on our pilgrim way, but all who have passed beyond this life, including the saints, that great cloud of witnesses. Shalom!