Tuesday in the 8th Week of Ordinary Time (II)
Eyes on the Prize

Readings: 1 Peter 1:10-16; Psalms 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4; Mark 10:28-31
Picture: CC Scott MacCleod Liddle

Imagine someone who has only recently made what might be called a big-ticket purchase. Perhaps it’s a new car or condominium, an insurance policy or investment portfolio. The signature has been inscribed on the dotted line. In the midst of the excitement, however, the person can’t help but experience reservations. For hard-earned money is even now being deducted from the bank account. Perhaps a loan has been taken and needs to be serviced. Installments have to be paid in a timely fashion. Although some say it’s a good buy, it’s undeniable that the price is steep. The commitment is ongoing. And what adds to the difficulty is the fact that the thing purchased is not quite in hand. Perhaps the new car is still being imported. Or the condominium has yet to be constructed. The benefits of the policy, the dividends on the investment, are still in the future. At this point, one can only vaguely imagine the full measure of the expected pay-off. What is easier, much more tempting, is to fixate on the high price that is being paid. Was the purchase really wise? Or was it all a big mistake?

It’s an experience not unlike this one that both our readings address today. Commentators tell us that 1 Peter was written to comfort Christians, who because of their new situation (as followers of Christ), are no longer acceptable to their cultural world (Harper Collins Bible Commentary, Revised Edition). They are facing subtle forms of persecution because of their faith. They’re paying a high price for their belief. In like manner, Peter highlights the sacrifice that he and the rest of the disciples are making in order to follow Jesus. We have left everything. And what makes the situation more difficult is that the full extent of the pay-off is not immediately apparent. Neither is it easy to imagine. For the prize mentioned in both the gospel and the first reading is nothing less than eternal life. Who knows for sure what this looks like? As it is written: What eye has not seen, and ear has not heard, and what has not entered the human heart, what God has prepared for those who love him (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Even so, both Jesus and the writer of the first reading insist that Christians shift their attention from the price they are paying to the prize that awaits them. And difficult though it may be to imagine, some hints are given for keeping the prize in view. We notice, for example, how Jesus’ description of the dimensions of the reward in this present time is measured largely in terms of right relationship, not just with property, but more so with brothers, sisters, mothers and children. Imagine a situation in which all creation exists in harmony and peace. A second invaluable indication is to be found in the first reading, where the brilliant glory of this prize is described as something for which even the angels long. Might we, in our turn, not imitate the angels by striving to remain in touch with the deep authentic desires of our own hearts, the thirsts that remain unquenched by earthly passions and possessions? Is it not too far-fetched to expect that the vacant space in our hearts has the very same shape as the prize for which it is waiting to be filled?

And isn’t this also the advice that the first reading gives? Free your minds… of encumbrances; control them... put your trust in nothing but the grace that will be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed… make a habit of obedience…

Even as we might continue to pay the price of discipleship, how might we also remain focused on the prize today?