In this Sunday’s Gospel from Mark, we hear the story of a rich young man who runs up to Jesus and asks Him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus lists the commandments, and the young man responds that he has kept all of these since his youth. Then, looking at him with love, Jesus tells him, “You are lacking in one thing: Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” The man goes away sad because he has many possessions.
This Gospel invites us to reflect on what it means to follow Jesus and the cost of discipleship. The rich young man was sincere in his desire for eternal life. He followed the commandments, lived a morally upright life, and wanted to know what more he could do. But when Jesus asked him to give up his wealth, the man became sad because his attachment to his possessions was too great.
Jesus uses this encounter to teach His disciples that wealth and worldly attachments can be obstacles to entering the kingdom of God. He says, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” This statement would have been shocking to the disciples, as wealth was often seen as a sign of God’s favor. Yet, Jesus challenges this thinking and emphasizes that it is not the possessions themselves, but the attachment to them that can hinder our relationship with God.
Jesus invites the rich young man to let go of his possessions, not as a punishment, but as a way to free his heart for a deeper relationship with God. His wealth had become a barrier between him and the kingdom. Similarly, each of us has something that may be holding us back from fully following Jesus. It might not be wealth, but it could be pride, fear, selfishness, or a lack of trust in God’s providence.
The Lord Jesus calls each of us to examine our hearts and to ask ourselves, “What is standing between me and God? What am I holding on to that prevents me from giving myself fully to Christ?” Letting go is difficult, but Jesus assures us that whatever we give up for His sake, we will receive back a hundredfold. This is a promise not of material wealth, but of the rich and abundant life found in a deep relationship with God.
The disciples are understandably confused and ask, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus responds, “For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.” Salvation is not something we can earn by our own efforts or merit. It is a gift of God’s grace. What seems impossible for, such as letting go of our attachments, living selflessly, and putting God first in everything, is made possible by God’s transforming grace.
The first reading from the Book of Wisdom echoes this theme of choosing what is most important in life. The author prays for wisdom and declares that he prefers her to scepters and thrones, considering riches as nothing compared to wisdom. The wisdom of God leads us to true understanding, helping us to see life from a proper perspective, and guiding us to seek the things that truly matter, things that last into eternity.
This Sunday’s readings challenge us to examine our lives and ask ourselves what we value most. Are we willing to let go of anything that prevents us from fully following Jesus? The rich young man went away sad because he could not part with his wealth, but Jesus offers us a different path: a path of freedom, joy, and eternal life, if we are willing to trust Him and let go of what holds us back. Let us ask God for the wisdom to see what truly matters and the courage to follow Christ wholeheartedly. Let us pray for the grace to respond to Jesus’ invitation with open hearts, trusting that with God, all things are possible.
Pilgrimage Information Meeting
This coming May I will be co-leading a Marian pilgrimage to Portugal, France, and Spain with Father Michael Friedel from Blessed Sacrament Parish. Flyers are available in the parish office for anyone who is interested. Father Michael and I will be having an information meeting on Sunday, October 27th, at 1:30PM in the lower meeting room of the parish office at Blessed Sacrament, 1725 South Walnut Street.
Blessings to you and yours for the week ahead!
Father Chris House