Read Ecclesiasticus 17:20-28, Ps. 32:1-2,5-7, Mark 10:17-27
“Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, ‘How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!’” (Mark 10:23)
Many people came to Jesus during his earthly life for different reasons, but the young man in today’s Gospel passage came to find out what is needed to inherit eternal life. Jesus went on to list the commandments as a response to this man’s quest for inheriting eternal life. By answering in this way, Jesus teaches us that these commandments represent a certain degree of perfection.
According to this man, he had kept the commandments since his youth. However, he knew that keeping these commandments was not enough. Hence he came to Jesus asking for the key to inherit eternal life. Jesus saw through his heart and decided to invite him to a higher degree of perfection which entails letting go of our material riches and building complete trust in God instead.
“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.” His countenance fell, and he walked away sorrowfully. He could not imagine life without his riches. Somehow, he had made a god of his wealth.
Jesus looked at his disciples and said, “How hard it is for those who trust in riches 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.” Indeed, as Jesus would ask: “What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and suffers the loss of his soul?”
Today, we celebrate the memorial of Mary, the mother of the Church. Having completed the seven weeks of Easter, today is a day for us to pause a while and remember the unique role of Mary in the course of the whole Easter festivities and, in particular, to examine the total weight of the words Jesus spoke at the foot of the cross: “Behold, Your Mother.”
Mary was there on the day of Pentecost, the church's birth. Mary has never abandoned the church like a very responsible and caring mother. Through Mary’s intercession, the church has recorded and continues to record countless testimonies. Mary has proven beyond every doubt that she is more than just an envelope; she is a woman we can talk to and rely upon to help her talk to her Son, Jesus Christ.
Let us pray: Our heavenly Father, teach us to love you more than everything this world can provide. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Mary, Mother of the Church, Bible Study: Ecclesiasticus 17:20-28, Ps. 32:1-2,5-7, Mark 10:17-27)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu