What do you give someone who seems to have everything one would want in life? It is a periodic dilemma we often face when dealing with the wealthy. In Solomon’s case from our first reading in the Book of Wisdom, he inherited a wealthy empire at peace after his father, King David, died. There was nothing one could buy that he probably didn’t own. And yet, when God asks him after the completion of building the Temple in Jerusalem what did he want, his response: Prudence along with the spirit of wisdom.
Solomon realized at a young age, theologians believe based on what was happening that he was probably in his early twenties when this happened, that if he was to be a good ruler, he needed to rely on God just as his father did during his life. By doing so, his actions would be driven by truth with an outcome that would lead to salvation for him and all who believed in God.
Our second reading from the Epistle to the Hebrews gives us insight to realize that as a creation of God we are asked to trust in Him and His promises. By doing so we are open to His Word in the most interior and hidden recesses of our very soul. We feel free to allow God to be in every part of our being, even though our innermost thoughts and intentions are known to Him. It is the first step in following Jesus in thought, word and deed as Christians who journey on a path to heaven.
In St. Mark’s Gospel, we learn from Jesus how we need to conduct our lives that will ultimately lead to salvation. He specifically focuses on the area of wealth; something the world highlights as an answer to solving all problems that mean anything to our success on earth. And, yet, Jesus takes the opposite viewpoint for wealthy humans to enter the kingdom of God when He says: “For human beings, it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.”
“What must I do to inherit eternal life”? is a question all believers ask either directly in prayer to God or to those educated in the ways of the Lord theologically. The rich man who asked it of Jesus, was already following the precepts of the commandments and living a moral life. What he was missing, however, was the ability to get past his own individual perfection so he could share it with those in need.
The Apostles were confused because in scripture riches are a blessing
or sign of God’s favor and a reward that God grants to those who keep the
commandments. Peter’s question about
“…who can be saved”? and comment about giving up everything to follow Jesus
hits at the heart of the matter. Jesus
confirms that the disciples because of their sacrifices will receive a hundred
times more now, including eternal life in a family that will live together
forever.
For those of us who are not wealthy, which is most of us, we might wonder how these passages personally affect us. The answer is that God asks all who follow Him to renounce all that they have and to put all that they are into God’s hands by having total faith and trust in God’s ways and promises. Being a Christian is very demanding, but also very rewarding when we live in obedience of God’s will who gives eternal life to faithful believers.
Let us take this week to examine “things” we are holding onto that are preventing us from truly following Christ in service to all that He has created. Is it our time, a donation or items we hold dearer to our need for comfort? Whatever it might be, can we let go of at least something that allow us to recognize how true discipleship works?
As for those who are wealthy, please reread St. Mark’s Gospel and the two readings again. Hopefully, it will shed a light on how blessed you are by God in receiving His gifts so you can find something to give back to all God created as a thank you. It will make a difference to those you help and to you in ways you may have never noticed before.
Reading 1: Wisdom 7: 7-11
Reading 2: Hebrews 4: 12-13
Gospel: Mark 10: 17-30
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