"The last will be first, and the first will be last.” Mt 20:16
Because gratitude for the ongoing presence, love and support of God is the foundation of the Christian life, it is important never to forget that all we have and are is gift. This simple truth is radically important to the believer. While all our lives will have dark moments as well as times of light, God is present in all as friend, lover and mentor. For this reason and so many others, therefore, we need to be grateful and pray to be free of fear.
The disciples and apostles did not always appreciate this teaching of Jesus. Peter asks the Lord, because he and the other apostles had sacrificed so much to follow him, what kind of reward he and they could expect. (Mt 19:28-29) Jesus' response, while gentle, is also a challenge. Promising Peter that his reward will be great, Jesus also reminds him that the "last will be first and the first last," and this warning is important for all to hear. There should be no doubt that the Lord is generous, kind but also just. If we find ourselves thinking or acting in a way that suggests we deserve more because of our good deeds, we will find ourselves in the last place.
Today, thank God for being alive.
What experience of faith makes you most grateful?
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