Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 10, 2021
First Reading: Wisdom 7.7-11
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Psalm 90
1Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.2Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.3Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men.4For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.5Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: in the morning they are like grass which groweth up.6In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; in the evening it is cut down, and withereth.7For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled.8Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.9For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told.10The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.11Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath.12So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.13Return, O LORD, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants.14O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.15Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil.16Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children.17And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.
Second Reading: Hebrews 4.12-13
12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.13Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
Gospel: Mark 10.17-27
17And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?18And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.19Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.20And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.21Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.22And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.23And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!24And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!25It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.26And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved?27And Jesus looking upon them saith, 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.