Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 13, 2024
First Reading: Wisdom 7.7-11
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Psalm 90
1Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.2Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.3You return man to dust and say, "Return, O children of man!"4For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.5You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning:6in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers.7For we are brought to an end by your anger; by your wrath we are dismayed.8You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.9For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh.10The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away.11Who considers the power of your anger, and your wrath according to the fear of you?12So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.13Return, O LORD! How long? Have pity on your servants!14Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.15Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil.16Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children.17Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!
Second Reading: Hebrews 4.12-13
12For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.13And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Gospel: Mark 10.17-27
17And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"18And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.19You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.'"20And he said to him, "Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth."21And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."22Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.23And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!"24And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, "Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God!25It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."26And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, "Then who can be saved?"27Jesus looked at them and said, "With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God."
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.