Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 14, 2018
First Reading: Wisdom 7.7-11
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
Psalm 90
1A prayer of Moses, the man of God. O Lord, you have been our refuge from generation to generation2Before the mountains became, or the land was formed along with the world: from ages past, even to all ages, you are God3And, lest man be turned aside in humiliation, you have said: Be converted, O sons of men4For a thousand years before your eyes are like the days of yesterday, which have passed by, and they are like a watch of the night5which was held for nothing: so their years shall be6In the morning, he may pass away like grass; in the morning, he may flower and pass away. In the evening, he will fall, and harden, and become dry7For, at your wrath, we have withered away, and we have been disturbed by your fury8You have placed our iniquities in your sight, our age in the illumination of your countenance9For all our days have faded away, and at your wrath, we have fainted. Our years will be considered to be like a spider’s web10The days of our years in them are seventy years. But in the powerful, they are eighty years, and more of these are with hardship and sorrow. For mildness has overwhelmed us, and we shall be corrected11Who knows the power of your wrath? And, before fear, can your wrat12be numbered? So make known your right hand, along with men learned in heart, in wisdom13Return, O Lord, how long? And may you be persuaded on behalf of your servants14We were filled in the morning with your mercy, and we exulted and delighted all our days15We have been rejoicing, because of the days in which you humbled us, because of the years in which we saw evils16Look down upon your servants and upon their works, and direct their sons17And may the splendor of the Lord our God be upon us. And so, direct the works of our hands over us; direct even the work of our hands
Second Reading: Hebrews 4.12-13
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
Gospel: Mark 10.17-30
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.