October 14 // 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading I: Wisdom 7:7-11
Responsorial Psalm 90:12-13, 14-15, 16-17 
Reading II: Hebrews 4:12-13
Gospel: Mark 10:17-30

Did you know that among the ancient people of Israel, material wealth was seen as a sign of God’s favor?

Jesus, however, saw possessions as a barrier to entering God’s eternal kingdom. Why? Because a person would be focusing on maintaining or increasing their wealth, and not on living as a faithful disciple.

But it’s not just stuff that gets in the way. We all need to ask ourselves what is standing between us and God’s love—what has become for us an idol. Many years ago, a man in a church where I was working was in despair because of this story. He said that he just couldn’t give up his home and his material possessions. He was convinced that he would not be saved. But maybe it wasn’t his stuff. Maybe it was something else.
Another issue for the rich man was earning his way into heaven. He did ask Jesus what he would have to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus said to his disciples that it is very hard for a rich person to enter God’s kingdom, and, in fact, it is impossible for us humans to earn salvation by our own actions. Salvation is a gift!

If we are willing to give up our idols, whatever they might be; if we are willing to live as God wants us to live, we are, in effect, saying yes to God’s gift of salvation. Living as a follower of Jesus may not make things easier for us, (as Jesus reminded his disciples by mentioning persecutions), but the rewards of eternal life will be infinitely greater than anything we have given up.

~Sheryl Zabel
RCIA Coordinator, Assumption & Resurrection