Daily Readings - Sun Oct 13 2024
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."
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.