Gospel: Mark 10: 28-31
The rich man has walked away sad. Now Peter comes forward and says to Jesus: we've given everything up to follow you - what's the reward? Peter has the same false expectation of Jesus as many others in his day. He is thinking that Jesus is a political Messiah, so he figures that when Jesus restores the kingdom of Israel that he and the others will be rewarded with political power, riches, and influence. For Peter and the others, that would make all this sacrifice worth it.
But Peter and many others are disappointed at Jesus' response. The followers of Jesus will have many friends and families - and persecution. It is the same outcome as Jesus had in this life, where he had no home of his own, but many welcomed him into their homes and tables, and of course the persecutions he received along the way, ultimately leading to his arrest, trial, and execution. The servant cannot be greater than the master.
Many have the same expectation as Peter, and many will not accept the answer of Jesus. Instead, they will reinvent Jesus to be the political Messiah they so desire so that they may have the power, influence, and riches for which they pine. They will have their reward. Our task is to follow the Lord in every aspect of his life, accepting the same lot in life as he received. The task of healing, liberating, and feeding others - the task of the towel and basin - is the mission of the disciple.
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