28th Sunday of Ordinary Times

Today’s readings offer us surprising teachings about money. When offered the choice between true knowledge or riches, Solomon, the author of the book of Wisdom, prays for wisdom of heart. He prefers God’s wisdom to any earthly possession. When given the choice between following Jesus or remaining attached to his material wealth, the young man chooses his possessions. When Jesus looked at the young man, he spoke only a few words. Those words clearly affected the young man with the power of God’s word as described in Hebrews, our second reading today. They penetrated and laid bare the difficulty the young man was having with Jesus’ call. And the young  man “went away sad”.

               The disciples became very concerned with the apparent impossibility of salvation. Jesus’ response was two-fold. The invitation is gift, surrounded by love. When Jesus spoke to the young man, Jesus looked at him with love. The call of God’s love is strong; once accepted, it becomes so strong that one is willing to give up even family to follow Jesus and the Gospel.

               God’s word challenges us to be attached to Jesus’, and to Him alone, even in the midst of worldly oppositions. This gift is a two-edge sword. The ways of Jesus cuts through the world’s ways. And the world objects with violence, ridicule and derision. And if we detach ourselves from these earthly riches, we will be able “to pass through the eye of a needle… and enter the Kingdom of God.” Jesus, however, promises much good and the greatest gift of all, everlasting life, to those who follow.

               Today, what do you want most in life? The most entertaining or fascinating thing is not always the most satisfying. A successful business man and a father of seven children advised his children, “If you want to be happy, to have peace of mind, Just count all the things you have that money can’t buy.”  Recently, I read a book entitled, "The Road Less Traveled,” by Scott Peck, a Psychiatrist. He wrote: “Our emotional well-being and personal growth are often determined by our ability to face what is difficult instead of skirting around it.”