Daily Readings - Sun Oct 14 2018

⁷Because of this, I chose, and understanding was given to me; and I prayed, and the spirit of wisdom came to me⁸and I placed her before kingdoms and thrones, and I considered riches nothing in comparison with her⁹Neither did I compare to her a precious stone, for all gold in comparison with her is like a little sand, and silver, in view of her, will be valued as if dirt¹⁰I loved her above health and beauty, and I placed having her before light, for her light is unfailing¹¹Yet all good things came to me together with her, and innumerable honors by her hand

Hebrews

Chapter 4

¹²For the Word of God is living and effective: more piercing than any two-edged sword, reaching to the division even between the soul and the spirit, even between the joints and the marrow, and so it discerns the thoughts and intentions of the heart¹³And there is no created thing that is invisible to his sight. For all things are naked and open to the eyes of him, about whom we are speaking

Mark

Chapter 10

¹⁷And when he had departed on the way, a certain one, running up and kneeling before him, asked him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do, so that I may secure eternal life?¹⁸But Jesus said to him, "Why call me good? No one is good except the one God¹⁹You know the precepts: "Do not commit adultery. Do not kill. Do not steal. Do not speak false testimony. Do not deceive. Honor your father and mother.²⁰But in response, he said to him, "Teacher, all these I have observed from my youth.²¹Then Jesus, gazing at him, loved him, and he said to him: "One thing is lacking to you. Go, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor, and then you will have treasure in heaven. And come, follow me.²²But he went away grieving, having been greatly saddened by the word. For he had many possessions²³And Jesus, looking around, said to his disciples, "How difficult it is for those who have riches to enter into the kingdom of God!²⁴And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus, answering again, said to them: "Little sons, how difficult it is for those who trust in money to enter into the kingdom of God²⁵It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for the rich to enter into the kingdom of God.²⁶And they wondered even more, saying among themselves, "Who, then, can be saved?²⁷And Jesus, gazing at them, said: "With men it is impossible; but not with God. For with God all things are possible.²⁸And Peter began to say to him, "Behold, we have left all things and have followed you.²⁹In response, Jesus said: "Amen I say to you, There is no one who has left behind house, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or children, or land, for my sake and for the Gospel³⁰who will not receive one hundred times as much, now in this time: houses, and brothers, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and land, with persecutions, and in the future age eternal life

Sermon

In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the true nature of wealth and wisdom. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom reminds us that true wisdom surpasses all material riches. It speaks of wisdom as a divine gift that brings light, understanding, and countless blessings. The author describes wisdom as more precious than gold or silver, emphasizing that all good things come through her. This passage calls us to value spiritual wealth over earthly treasures. The second reading from the Letter to the Hebrews shifts our focus to the power of God’s Word. It describes the Word as living and active, capable of discerning the deepest thoughts and intentions of the heart. This passage reminds us that nothing is hidden from God’s sight. Just as wisdom is a divine gift, so too is the Word of God a powerful tool for discernment and transformation. Together, these readings encourage us to seek spiritual riches and to trust in God’s insight into our lives. In the Gospel, Mark presents us with the story of the rich young man who asks Jesus how to attain eternal life. Jesus challenges him to let go of his possessions and follow Him, emphasizing that wealth can be an obstacle to entering the kingdom of God. This encounter reminds us that true discipleship requires detachment from material goods and a willingness to trust in God’s providence. The moral lesson here is clear: our hearts must not be bound by earthly riches, for it is only through surrender and faith that we can fully follow Christ. Let us reflect on our own attachments and ask ourselves: what is it that we hold onto too tightly? May we, like the disciples, place our trust in God, knowing that with Him, all things are possible.