Sirach, 35: 1-12
1He who keeps the law makes many offerings; he who heeds the commandments sacrifices a peace offering. 2He who returns a kindness offers fine flour, and he who gives alms sacrifices a thank offering. 3To keep from wickedness is pleasing to the Lord, and to forsake unrighteousness is atonement. 4Do not appear before the Lord empty-handed, 5for all these things are to be done because of the commandment. 6The offering of a righteous man anoints the altar, and its pleasing odor rises before the Most High. 7The sacrifice of a righteous man is acceptable, and the memory of it will not be forgotten. 8Glorify the Lord generously, and do not stint the first fruits of your hands. 9With every gift show a cheerful face, and dedicate your tithe with gladness. 10Give to the Most High as he has given, and as generously as your hand has found. 11For the Lord is the one who repays, and he will repay you sevenfold. 12Do not offer him a bribe, for he will not accept it; and do not trust to an unrighteous sacrifice; for the Lord is the judge, and with him is no partiality.
Mark, 10; 28-31
Peter began to say to Jesus, "We have given up everything and followed you." Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now in this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come." But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first."
What touched my Soul
It always fascinated me this sentence from the Gospel: “But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first."
What does Jesus wanted to tell us with this?
To me it was always about giving, serving. Those who serve and make themself last (little) will be fist (entering Gods kingdom).
“...the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew, 28:20)
