Some people, when they begin a new job or a new project, always begin by asking the question: “What am I supposed to do?”
They want to learn. They want to do things right. They want to be successful and feel good about what they do. They are not trying to cut corners, but rather are willing to walk the extra mile.
They presume that if they give their all, their boss will be happy with them. It is not that they are just trying to please; although, they are doing that too.
No, they want to feel within themselves that they are doing and fulfilling the good. Although they are not looking for repayment, they kind of expect that it comes when they do their best!
And in the words of Sirach, the Lordrepays the just one seven-fold.
+ Similarly, Jesus tells his disciples that the one who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or mothers or fathers will be repaid a hundred times in this life — and persecutions, too!
I know, it is a little surprising to hear of the persecution part also. But isn’t it true that when we do our best and give our all, the reaction of others can be praise but it can also be jealousy?
We have to expect all. We have to be ready for all. But Jesus also tells us that we can expect “eternal life in the age to come.”
Many never arrive at this understanding. It is Sirach. It is mystery. It is Jesus speaking.
And the final words of this passage sum it up beautifully and truly mysteriously in one of those paradoxical sayings of Jesus: “But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
We just have to do our part and do it to the best of our ability and with all of our heart. Then, no doubt, we will easily — time and time again — choose last and become first, and experience a little bit of eternal life right now.
Is this the revelation that only little ones can truly come to discover? That sounds, indeed, like the Gospelmessage proclaimed in the Gospel verse, to which the best response is simply: Alleluia! Alleluia!
Now in his 47th year as a priest, Father Perry D. Leiker is the 13th pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Reach him at (323) 255-6142. Email Father Perry at pleiker@stbernard-church.com. Follow Father Perry on Twitter: @MrDeano76.
