Readings: Sirach 17:24-29, Ps. 32:1-2, 5, 6, 7, Mark 10:17-27
“Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, ‘How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!’” (Mark 10:23)
- Many people came to Jesus during his earthly life for different reasons, but the young man in today’s Gospel passage came to find out what is needed to inherit eternal life. Jesus went on to list the commandments as a response to this man’s quest for eternal life. By answering in this way, Jesus teaches us that these commandments represent a certain degree of perfection.
- According to this man, he had kept the commandments since his youth. However, he knew that keeping these commandments was not enough. Hence, he came to Jesus asking for the key to eternal life. Jesus saw through his heart and decided to invite him to a higher degree of perfection which entails letting go of our material riches and building complete trust in God instead.
- “You lack one thing; go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” His countenance fell, and he walked away sorrowfully. He could not imagine life without his riches. Somehow, he had made a god of his wealth.
- Jesus looked at his disciples and said, “How hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God. It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” The question is: “What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and suffers the loss of his soul?”
- Have you worshipped riches instead of God? Like this rich man in today’s Gospel passage, do you feel that despite keeping God’s commandments, your conscience tells you that you do not deserve eternal life? Today’s First Reading proclaims: “How great is the mercy of the Lord, and his forgiveness for those who return to him!” (Sirach 17:29)
- God’s mercies endure forever. Repent while you still can. Make God your priority. Place your trust in Him and obey His Words. Everything in this world fades but God remains forever. Money will lose value, houses will get old and decay, knowledge will become obsolete, cars will suffer wear and tear, kingdoms will go down, even our human bodies will die off. God alone remains forever. Like the Prodigal Son, return to God today, seek His mercy and be determined to start over.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, teach us to love you more than everything this world can provide. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Monday of week 8 in Ordinary Time, Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Sirach 17:24-29, Ps. 32:1-2, 5, 6, 7, Mark 10:17-27).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu