28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

1st Reading: Wis 7:7–11
I prayed and understanding was given to me; I asked earnestly and the spirit of Wisdom came to me.
I preferred her to scepters and thrones and I considered wealth as nothing compared with her.
I preferred her to any jewel of inestimable value, since gold beside her is nothing but a few grains of sand, and silver but mud. I loved her more than wealth and beauty and even preferred her to light, because her radiance never dies.
She brought with her all other good things, untold riches in her hands.

2nd Reading: Heb 4:12–13
The word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword. It pierces to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and judges the intentions and thoughts of the heart. All creation is transparent to Him; everything is uncovered and laid bare to the eyes of Him to whom we render account.

Gospel: Mk 10:17–30
Just as Jesus was setting out on his journey again, a man ran up, knelt before him and asked, “Good Master, what must I do to have eternal life?”
Jesus answered, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: Do not kill, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not cheat, honor your father and mother.” The man replied, “I have obeyed all these commandments since my childhood.”
Then Jesus looked steadily at him and loved him and he said, “For you, one thing is lacking. Go, sell what you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven. Then come and follow me.” On hearing these words, his face fell and he went away sorrowful for he was a man of great wealth.
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” The disciples were shocked at these words, but Jesus insisted, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
They were more astonished than ever and wondered, “Who, then, can be saved?” Jesus looked steadily at them and said, “For humans it is impossible, but not for God; all things are possible with God.”
Peter spoke up and said, “We have given up everything to follow you.” Jesus answered, “Truly, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters, or father or mother, or children, or lands for my sake and for the Gospel, who will not receive his reward. I say to you: even in the midst of persecution he will receive a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and lands in the present time and in the world to come eternal life.”

Commentary
How ironic that the man went away sorrowful because of his great wealth. The earthly possessions that had been the cause of great joy in that man’s life were now the source of his sorrow. Why? Because they were keeping him from the adventure of a lifetime. They were keeping him from following Jesus. Jesus clearly identified the knot that was tied around that man’s heart. In the same way Jesus wants us to be aware of anything that would keep us bound from living the good life.
Money and material possessions are important to us to be sure. Yet sometimes they become too important. Sometimes it is a matter not of what I own but what owns me. The remedy for this inordinate attachment to money and material possessions is a life of faithful stewardship. A good steward is grateful to the Lord for all of the blessings He has bestowed. A good steward is responsible in taking care of those blessings and using them prudently. A good steward is generous in sharing God’s gifts in justice and in love. Finally, a good steward makes a return to the Lord with increase, using his or her gifts to make a positive difference in the world.

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