First Reading
Wisdom 7:7-11
Therefore I prayed, and understanding was given me; I called upon God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me. I preferred her to scepters and thrones, and I accounted wealth as nothing in comparison with her. Neither did I liken to her any priceless gem, because all gold is but a little sand in her sight, and silver will be accounted as clay before her. I loved her more than health and beauty, and I chose to have her rather than light, because her radiance never ceases. All good things came to me along with her, and in her hands uncounted wealth.
Second Reading
Hebrews 4:12-13
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before him no creature is hidden, but all are open and laid bare to the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
Gospel
Mark 10:17-30
And 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?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: `Do not kill, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.'” And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have observed from my youth.” And Jesus looking upon him loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” At that saying his countenance fell, and he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it will be for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.” Peter began to say to him, “Lo, we have left everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life.
Reflection:
Mark 10:17-30 presents a profound encounter between Jesus and a rich young man, offering deep insights into the nature of discipleship and the challenges of wealth.
The young man approaches Jesus with a sincere question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” This question reveals his desire for something more than earthly success; he seeks eternal fulfillment. Jesus responds by reminding him of the commandments, which the young man claims to have kept since his youth. This indicates his moral integrity and commitment to religious duties.
However, Jesus sees beyond the young man’s outward obedience and identifies the one thing he lacks: detachment from his wealth. Jesus lovingly challenges him to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him. This invitation is not just about renouncing material wealth but about embracing a life of radical trust and dependence on God. The young man’s sorrowful departure highlights the difficulty of this call, as his great possessions hold him back from fully committing to Jesus.
Jesus then teaches His disciples about the spiritual dangers of wealth. He uses the vivid metaphor of a camel passing through the eye of a needle to illustrate the near impossibility for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. This astonishes the disciples, leading them to question who can be saved. Jesus’ response, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God,” emphasizes that salvation is ultimately a divine gift, not something earned by human effort.
Peter’s declaration of the disciples’ sacrifices prompts Jesus to assure them that those who leave everything for His sake will receive abundant blessings in this life, along with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come. This promise underscores the paradox of the Christian journey: true gain comes through loss, and true life through surrender.
Reflecting on this passage, we are challenged to examine our own attachments and priorities. Are there things in our lives that hinder us from fully following Jesus? This gospel invites us to trust in God’s provision and to embrace a life of generosity and self-giving. It reassures us that while the path of discipleship may be demanding, it leads to the ultimate reward of eternal life with God.