Today is the twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
With the weather turning cooler, even here in the south, we realize we’re careening toward the holy days, holidays, and the end of the year.
All Saints will be here in a few weeks and then Thanksgiving, then the beginning of Advent, then Christmas. Around and around it (time) goes and where it stops nobody knows (except God).
In today’s Gospel we hear about the Rich Young Man who asked Jesus what he should do to “inherit eternal life”. Jesus ultimately tells him to sell all he has, give the money to the poor, and come follow Him. Of course the young man balked at that, as most of us would. Mark’s point of view is that wealth can be an obstacle to holiness for the wealthy.
I think the point of the story is about our attachments. It’s not money or possessions in themselves but our relationship with them. When we get our priorities wrong we put our souls at risk. Putting God first is the main thing whether we have “many possessions” or not. Inferred in the story as well, I think, is to be sure we’re sharing our gifts with others. Again, attachment to the things of this world are the problem, not the things themselves.
This story always reminds me of the story Bishop Barron tells about Cardinal George who was meeting with a group of donors at Mundelein. Cardinal George thanked them for their support then went on to tell them the poor needed them to rise above poverty and they needed the poor to keep themselves out of Hell. The point is the same as Mark’s. Wealth can be an obstacle to discipleship.
As we’re making our way to the season of gift giving let’s be sure we’re properly disposed to manage whatever gifts we’ve been given and that we keep God at the fore of our lives and priorities. No one reading today’s Gospel is being told to sell their possessions but we are being told to properly order our lives and put the things of this world in their right place.
Love God and love one another. Act accordingly in our daily lives, not just on Sundays. Remember “all things are possible for God.” Depend on Him.
That’s it for now. Thanks for reading.
I hope you have a great week.
Peace, Bob
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