Today’s readings give us two voices on the same question: What does it mean to leave everything for Christ? In 1 Peter, the apostle writes to scattered Christians about the holiness they inherited when they answered God’s call. In Mark’s Gospel, Peter himself asks Jesus what the twelve will receive for abandoning their former lives. The readings meet at the hinge of cost and promise.
What today’s readings give us
The First Reading from 1 Peter 1 addresses Christians in Asia Minor who have left behind pagan worship and family ties to follow Christ. Peter tells them their new identity requires a new way of living: “Be holy, for I am holy.” This isn’t motivational language. It’s covenant language, the same command God gave Israel at Sinai, now extended to Gentile believers who have been bought at a price.
In the Gospel, we’re on the road to Jerusalem. Peter has just watched the rich young man walk away unable to sell his possessions. He turns to Jesus and says what we’re all thinking: “We have given up everything and followed you.” Jesus doesn’t deny the cost. He names it, item by item, house and family and fields, then promises a hundredfold return now and eternal life to come.
The line worth carrying with you
Peter’s question in Mark 10:28 is honest in a way we rarely allow ourselves to be: What’s in this for us? He doesn’t dress it up. He’s left his fishing business, his income, the life he knew. Jesus doesn’t rebuke him. He answers with specificity. No one who leaves house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for Christ’s sake will fail to receive a hundred times more, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.
The phrase “with persecutions” sits in the middle of that promise like a thorn. Jesus doesn’t offer comfort without cost. The hundredfold return includes both the new family of the Church and the opposition that comes with it. First Peter is writing to people living this out: their holiness marks them as different, and difference draws fire. But the call to be holy isn’t a burden laid on top of discipleship. It’s the shape discipleship takes when it’s real.
For today
Before you go to bed tonight, name one thing you’ve left behind to follow Christ, even something small. A habit, a relationship, a plan for your life that didn’t survive your baptism. Don’t spiritualize it. Let it be concrete. Then ask yourself Peter’s question: Was it worth it? Sit with whatever answer comes.
Today’s full readings are at USCCB.
