MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 26 MAY
May 26, 2026
SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS INTO THE LIFE OF SAINT PHILIP NERI
May 26, 2026
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
26, MAY, 2026
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.”
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
Peter said to Jesus, “We have left everything and followed You.” Jesus responded with a promise filled with hope and assurance: whoever sacrifices for His sake and for the Gospel will never be forgotten or abandoned by God. The Lord sees every sacrifice made out of love — whether it is leaving behind comfort, possessions, relationships, pride, or personal plans in order to remain faithful to Him.
Jesus does not promise an easy life. He speaks honestly about persecutions and trials, reminding us that discipleship often involves suffering, misunderstanding, and sacrifice. Yet He also promises abundant blessings — not only in eternal life, but even now through the love, support, and grace found in the family of God.
This passage teaches us that nothing offered to Christ is ever wasted. The world may measure success by wealth, status, or power, but God measures greatness by faithfulness and love. Those who appear “first” in worldly eyes may become “last” before God if they live selfishly, while the humble and faithful who quietly serve Him will be greatly honored in His Kingdom.
“Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields, for My sake and for the sake of the good news, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this age … and in the age to come eternal life.’”
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You know the sacrifices we make each day to follow You. Sometimes the road of discipleship feels difficult and lonely, yet You continually remind us that Your grace is enough. Teach us to trust that whatever we surrender for Your sake will be transformed into blessings according to Your holy will.
Give us courage to place You above comfort, possessions, recognition, and worldly success. Help us to remain faithful even during trials and misunderstandings. Fill our hearts with humility so that we may seek not to be first in the eyes of the world, but faithful in Your sight.
Strengthen all those who have given up much for the Gospel — missionaries, parents, caregivers, priests, religious, and every hidden servant of love. May we never grow weary in doing good, knowing that eternal life awaits those who persevere with faith. Lord, make us generous disciples who follow You with joy, confidence, and unwavering love. Amen
