Daily Readings - Sun Oct 13 2024

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 true treasures of our lives and the challenges of living a life of faith. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom extols the beauty and value of wisdom, describing it as more precious than gold or silver. The author writes of wisdom as a gift from God, one that brings light, understanding, and countless blessings. This passage reminds us that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in the wisdom and grace that come from God. The second reading from the Letter to the Hebrews reinforces this idea, describing the Word of God as a powerful, discerning force that sees into the very heart of who we are. It calls us to humility and openness before God, recognizing that nothing is hidden from his sight. The Gospel reading from Mark presents a vivid challenge to this way of thinking. A wealthy young man approaches Jesus, asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus lists the commandments, and the man claims to have followed them since his youth. Yet Jesus sees deeper, recognizing that the man’s heart is bound by his wealth. Jesus invites him to let go of his possessions, to sell them and follow him. The man’s sorrowful departure reveals the difficulty of detachment. Jesus then turns to his disciples and emphasizes how hard it is for the wealthy to enter the Kingdom of God, famously comparing it to a camel passing through the eye of a needle. The disciples are astonished, but Jesus assures them that while it may seem impossible, all things are possible with God. These readings invite us to examine our own lives and priorities. Are we holding onto material possessions or worldly securities as our ultimate treasures? Or are we seeking the true wealth of wisdom, grace, and a deep relationship with God? The challenge of the Gospel is not to condemn wealth but to remind us that our ultimate trust and allegiance must be to God alone. Let us ask ourselves: What is the “one thing lacking” in our lives? What attachments or distractions prevent us from following Jesus more fully? May we, like the disciples, place our trust in God’s providence, knowing that true life and salvation come not from what we possess but from who we follow.