Daily Readings - Sun Oct 10 2021

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.

Sermon

In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the nature of true wealth and the power of God’s Word. The Book of Wisdom extols the virtues of wisdom, portraying it as a treasure beyond all material riches. The author chooses wisdom over kingdoms and thrones, recognizing its incomparable value. This passage reminds us that true wealth lies not in possessions but in the wisdom that brings all good things. The Gospel of Mark presents a rich young man who, despite his wealth, seeks eternal life. Jesus challenges him to let go of his possessions and follow Him, highlighting the difficulty the wealthy face in entering the kingdom of God. This encounter underscores the tension between earthly wealth and spiritual wealth, urging us to evaluate our priorities and trust in God’s providence. Hebrews reinforces this message by describing God’s Word as a powerful, discerning force that sees into the heart of all things. This passage invites us to trust in God’s wisdom and providence, recognizing that true transformation comes from within. As we navigate our own lives, may we embrace the wisdom that values spiritual wealth over material comfort, trusting in God’s power to make all things possible.