“We Have Given Up Everything” by Melanie Rigney
Therefore, gird up the loins of your mind, live soberly, and set your hopes completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Like obedient children, do not act in compliance with the desires of your former ignorance but, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, for it is written, “Be holy because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:13-16)
The Lord has made known his salvation. (Psalm 98:2)
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Peter began to say to Jesus, "We have given up everything and followed you." Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come. But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first." (Mark 10:28-31)
Piety
Build a cell inside your mind, from which you can never flee (attributed to St. Catherine of Siena).
Study
Everything. E-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g.
That’s what Peter told Jesus the disciples had given up. And he probably believed it too: time with their wives and children and non-believing friends and neighbors. For some, successful businesses or a steady income. For some, perhaps standing and respect in their congregations.
It must have seemed like a lot. It was a lot.
Consider Jesus’s response. It’s not exasperation at Peter’s literalism or frustration that he hasn’t seemed to have understood the hints Jesus has already given about the future. He lays out the promise that yes, those who have given up much will receive much more. But you have to believe.
In today’s first reading, we see Peter again, after the resurrection, after Pentecost. He’s no longer concerned about what he’s given up. Rather, he advises the faithful to be obedient and to hope for nothing but grace. His days of expecting any more tangible are done. He understands all that passes, and that grace was all that ever mattered anyway.
We can be like the Peter in the Gospel: But we’ve done so much! Don’t ask for more! Except, of course, the Lord wants it all. Everything. E-v-e-r-y-t-h-in-g., no “look at all I’ve done; can’t I hold on to a little pride, a little envy, a little arrogance, a little comfort?”
May we have the trust and faith to sacrifice everything so that we may be worthy of more than we can ever imagine.
Action
Pray for holy indifference to what the world throws your way. St. Catherine of Siena’s advice above may help, or read more about the Ignatian view of holy indifference.
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