Daily Readings - Sun Oct 14 2018
Hebrews
12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double--edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Mark
17As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"18"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good--except God alone.19You know the commandments: 'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.'"20"Teacher," he declared, "all these I have kept since I was a boy."21Jesus looked at him and loved him. "One thing you lack," he said. "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."22At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.23Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!"24The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, "Children, how hard 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 man to enter the kingdom of God."26The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, "Who then can be saved?"27Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God."28Peter said to him, "We have left everything to follow you!"29"I tell you the truth," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel30will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields--and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, 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.