After Jesus’ encounter with the man, who left sad after Jesus’ invitation to sell his possession and give to the poor, Peter remonstrates, ‘Look, we have left everything and followed you.’ What exactly had the disciples left? We know from historical and archaeological records that Herod had turned the fishing industry on the sea of Galilee into a major Mediterranean fishing enterprise and levied heavy taxes on local businesses, perhaps to provide extra moneys to Rome and cosy up to Emperor Tiberius.

In this context, Jesus calls Peter and Andrew, and then James and John, who are running Galilean fishing businesses and facing severe economic stress from Herod’s oppressive taxation. They leave their businesses, their property, and the economic stability this provides their family to follow Jesus.

To Peter’s question, Jesus replies that when we leave everything and share what we have, everyone ‘will receive a hundredfold, and will inherit eternal life.’ (Matthew 19:29) Sharing what we have is a sign of God’s salvation in both the Jewish and Christian traditions. Think the Year of Jubilee, the story of Zacchaeus and the early Church, St Francis and the beginnings of religious congregations and dioceses. Sharing what we have is a sign of the reign of God and in this community, everybody benefits now and in the future.

In our global community, there is a growing gap between the obscenely rich, middle class and poor. Reflecting on this passage, how might we as Church respond?

Lord, help me hold my possessions lightly and make them available for your reign.

By Deacon Paul Jensen