Search
-
October 5, 2021Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time—October 10, 2021 Wisdom 7:7-11; Psalm 90:12-13,14-15,16-17; Hebrews 4:12-13; Mark 10:17-30
What must we do to inherit eternal life? Can there be a more profound question to contemplate? Unfortunately the easy answer, which for 2000 years has been available through the teachings of Jesus, seems to be eluding modern generations. For far too many, the question is one of abstractness and remoteness. In our youth, our usual response might be that there is plenty of time to worry about eternal life. It is unfortunate that we often times fail to recognize that the question of eternal life is one that is relevant each and every day of our lives, no matter our age. Christ’s teaching provides us with the formula for not only eternal life, but of joy and peace here on earth. As we reflect on the answer to that initial question, let us recognize that Jesus teaches us that in order to be happy we are to pursue virtue. Yes, we should seek to avoid evil and sin; however, the most successful way to accomplish that is to actively live good and virtuous lives. If we wish to inherit eternal life, let our abundance of virtue leave no room for sin. The image of the camel laden with goods not being able to pass through the narrow gate, the “eye of the needle”, along with Jesus’ language in the Gospel about giving up house and family can easily leave us with the impression that to be good Christians we must divest ourselves of worldly trappings and become hermits. We know that is not what Jesus asks. He wants us to not let worldly pursuits dictate how we live our lives. He wants us to look to Him for guidance. He wants us to know that like the camel who could easily enter through the gate if the goods weighing down were removed, we too can enter into the Kingdom of God if we are able to keep the things of this world from weighing us down. We need not trouble ourselves and live according to the ways of the world. Jesus assures us of all that awaits those who strive to live in and through Him. Jesus Himself promises that if we place our trust and our life in Jesus and detach ourselves from worldly pursuits “for my [His] sake and for the sake of the Gospel” we will receive “a hundred times more now in this present age… and eternal life in the age to come.”
For further reflection on the Catholic teaching on the place of worldly goods, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 2401-2499; and on poverty of heart, paragraphs 2544-2547.- How strong of a hold does the world have on me? What might I have to give up or let go of in order to make room for God in my life?
- As Catholic Christians we are called to put our trust in Jesus. What troubles and concerns in my life do I need to turn over to Christ? What specific things do I have a hard time letting go of for the sake of the Gospel?
- As followers of Christ we are called to love our neighbor as ourselves. What sacrifice am I willing to make so that I might give more of my time, talent or treasure to help those in need? In my family? The parish? Our community?
