Memorial of Saint benedict, abbot
There was a man of venerable life,
Benedict, blessed by grace and by name,
who, leaving home and patrimony
and desiring to please God alone,
sought out the habit of holy living.
“Peter said to Jesus, we have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us? Jesus said to them, "Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life." (Mat 19:27-29)
We have given up everything
Peter once asked: " We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?" Jesus answered: "You will receive a hundred times more " ... Then, Peter was in prison, in the circus arena and on the cross ... It was the beginning of the payment.
Michelangelo on the frescoes of the Pauline Chapel presented with his brush - as if he were writing the will of Peter - how Peter was happy with this divine advance of the payment for the future life (cf. Mt. 19:28).
Since God is giving me an advanced payment today, this is proof that he wants to see me in the future. So, I do not ask: what will happen to me then? I already know it. I cannot rejoice like Peter on the cross, but I accept the advance payment - the rest will come even sooner, since God has already begun paying.
Saint Benedict, pray for us.
Until Tomorrow
fr. george