Readings: 1 Peter 1:3-9 Ps. 111:1-2,5-6,9-10, Mark 10:17-27
“Jesus looking upon him loved him, and said to him, ‘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.’ At that saying, his countenance fell, and he left sorrowful.” (Mark 10:21-22)
In today’s Gospel passage, a young man came to Jesus to ask how he could gain eternal life. While others wanted Jesus to provide food for them (cf. John 6:25-34) or help them secure their share of earthly inheritance (cf. Luke 12:13-15), this man seems to have better priorities because he was concerned about eternal life. Like James and John, who brought their mother to Jesus to ask for seats at the right and left of Jesus in heaven (cf. Matthew 20:20-21), this young man wanted something imperishable. In today’s first reading, St. Peter described heaven as “an imperishable inheritance.” The young asked Jesus what he must do to “inherit” eternal life. However, when he asked about eternal life, was this young man referring to heaven? Let us find out as we examine the lessons contained in today’s readings:
1. Wealth is Good, But It Is Never Enough: It is a blessing to be wealthy (cf. Proverbs 10:22). There is so much good you can do when you are rich. For instance, even the Bible declares that the rich rule over the poor (cf. Proverbs 22:7). You must be wealthy to go into politics; there are places you cannot enter and people you cannot meet unless you have made it. However, the secret is that wealth also brings a feeling of emptiness. You may wonder: “If ordinary N5,000 can bring me so much joy, those earning millions swim in bliss.” The truth is that there is a limit beyond which an increase in wealth no longer translates to an increase in satisfaction. The richer you become, the emptier you feel. Emptiness drives the rich to seek out thrills – to spend lavishly just for fun. In today’s Gospel passage, the young man felt this emptiness (which the Bible describes as vanity). He had everything others were dreaming of, but it wasn’t enough. “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity. What does man gain by all the toil at which he toils under the sun?” (Ecclesiastes 1:2-3).
2. Death Levels Everybody: When you are wealthy, nothing frightens you as much as the insecurity of your wealth. Having conquered so many obstacles to achieve the life of their dreams, death suddenly rears its ugly head. You are no longer concerned about how to make more money but how to live forever. When the young man approached Jesus, he was not asking about eternal life as we know it (that is, life in heaven). Rather, he was asking what he could do to avoid death. He wanted to know how to secure his lifestyle permanently. This is why he walked away sorrowfully when Jesus told him to sell his properties and give the money to the poor. There is no cure for death; it is a debt we must pay.
3. Do You Want To Live Forever? Do what Jesus says - Keep God’s Commandments: “Do not kill, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not defraud, honour your father and your mother.” It is one thing to avoid murder, adultery, lies, etc., but the essence of these commandments is to love your neighbour as yourself. The young man boasted about keeping the letter of the law, but he lacked the spirit of the law, which is love. On the last day, God will say: “I was hungry, and you gave me food; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you welcomed me; I was naked, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you visited me, I was in prison, and you came to me.” (Matthew 25:35-36). If you want to live forever, be good to everyone you meet. After your death, no one will remember how rich you were, but they will never forget how you made them feel. The happiness that comes with putting joy in people’s lives is unquantifiable.
4. Remain Steadfast Amid Trials: In today’s First Reading, St. Peter says: “In this, you rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold which though perishable is tested by fire, may redound to praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:6-7). You will never know how genuine your faith in God is until you go through trials. While we do not pray for trials, God will never permit such trials unless He intends to use them to bless us. Do not give up on God.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, give me the wisdom to re-order my priorities, to work not only for worldly wealth but, more importantly, for eternal life. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Remember, amid all challenges, choose to be happy. Live with a positive mindset and believe in God’s plan for you. God bless you abundantly. (Monday of week 8 in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 1 Peter 1:3-9 Ps. 111:1-2,5-6,9-10, Mark 10:17-27).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu