The Rich Young Man

                       28^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

                      B cycle

 

Today’s first reading from the Book of Wisdom claims that wisdom is to be desired and sought after more than anything else in the world. Wisdom is regarded as more valuable than power or riches. It is even more to be desired than health or good looks. 

 

Actually, we are told that the attainment of wisdom will provide us with rewards greater than anything else in this life. Wisdom is usually referred to as a woman. The Greek word for wisdom is Sophia. But, what is wisdom?

 

I like to think that wisdom is the ability to make a decision. Sometimes, it can be a clear cut decision between right and wrong. But most times, it might just involve a decision between two courses of action that both appear to be right. Should I take this job or that one? Should I take this course or that one? 

 

It doesn’t take much to realize that wisdom is not merely a matter of brain power. It is obvious that some of the most learned and knowledgeable people often demonstrate a remarkable inability to make proper decisions for themselves or others. I’m not saying that it pays to be ignorant, but that wisdom requires experience as well as knowledge. Often, wisdom involves relying on the experience of others, not just ourselves. 

 

In today’s gospel we have the famous account of the young man of great wealth who asks Jesus, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Today, many of us, old and young, can identify with this young man. A senior citizen might look back and wonder, “What has my life been all about? Why was I put here? A young person might wonder, “What am I going to do with my life, or what will become of me?

 

Jesus initially tells the young man to trust in the wisdom that has been handed down to him.

 

You know the commandments: You shall not kill;

You shall not commit adultery;

You shall not steal;

You shall not bear false witness;

You shall not defraud;

Honor your father and your mother.

 

Jesus was telling the man that living the commandments was all an ordinary person had to do. The young man replied that he had kept these commandments all his life but there must have been something in his voice indicating that something was still lacking. Despite all of his wealth, he had not found happiness. 

 

The gospel tells us that Jesus looked upon the rich young man with love and invited him to become a disciple.

 

Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor

And you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”

 

Mark tells us that at the words of Jesus, the young man’s “face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.” This is probably the only occasion when someone rejects a personal invitation from Jesus. It is one of the saddest passages in scripture. What are we to make of this passage?

 

It would be easy to try and explain away these words but Jesus went even further after the young man left. Turning from the departing young man, he faced the apostles and said to them:

 

“Children, how hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God. It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

 

We are told that the Apostles were amazed at his words. They believed, as many of us do, that wealth was a sign of God’s favor. Poverty was never voluntarily chosen. At best, it was a suffering that had to be endured. There were groups of poor men like the Essenes but they were out of the mainstream of Jewish life.

 

Peter and the other disciples were shocked even though they must have been aware that Jesus often used strong words to drive home a point. They asked, “Who then can be saved?” The response of Jesus was full of hope: “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 

 

I have heard explanations of this hard saying of Jesus but it seems to me that Jesus is just being consistent with the teaching in the Book of Wisdom. There is something more important than the attainment of wealth. The things we possess have the power to possess us. Isn’t it true that the more we have, the more we want?

 

Jesus is not saying that we should cease to provide for ourselves and those entrusted to our care. He always told us to act like good stewards and manage our affairs wisely. Jesus told the young man that he had done well to just follow the commandments. 

 

Thank goodness that most of us are not rich and powerful. But there are still things that we value that we find it hard to give up. What child will be successful in school if they are not willing to give up their games and hit the books? What marriage will be successful if the couple is unwilling to give up their own desires for the sake of each other? How many senior citizens end their lives in bitterness and despair surrounded by the accumulated possessions of a lifetime?

 

In today’s second reading from the Book of Hebrews we are told that the word of God is “sharper than any two edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow.” The hard sayings of Jesus should make us consider what is really important in our lives, and help us decide what we must do to inherit eternal life.

 

###

Reading 1.  Wisdom 7: 7-11

Reading II. Hebrews 4: 12-13

Gospel. Mark 10:10-17 (What must I do…?)

Image note. This painting by the Venetian Renaissance master Giorgione is now in the Pitti Palace in Florence. It is labelled the Three Ages of Man but I have interpreted it as the encounter of Jesus with the rich young man of today's gospel. 

Jesus and the Rich Young Man *

                       28^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

                      B cycle

 

       Today’s first reading from the Book of Wisdom claims that wisdom is to be desired and sought after more than anything else in the world. Wisdom is regarded as more valuable than power or riches. It is even more to be desired than health or good looks. 

 

Actually, we are told that the attainment of wisdom will provide us with rewards greater than anything else in this life. Wisdom is usually referred to as a woman. The Greek word for wisdom is Sophia. But, what is wisdom?

 

I like to think that wisdom is the ability to make a decision. Sometimes, it can be a clear cut decision between right and wrong. But most times, it might just involve a decision between two courses of action that both appear to be right. Should I take this job or that one? Should I take this course or that one? 

 

It doesn’t take much to realize that wisdom is not merely a matter of brain power. It is obvious that some of the most learned and knowledgeable people often demonstrate a remarkable inability to make proper decisions for themselves or others. I’m not saying that it pays to be ignorant, but that wisdom requires experience as well as knowledge. Often, wisdom involves relying on the experience of others, not just ourselves. 

 

In today’s gospel we have the famous account of the young man of great wealth who asks Jesus, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” * Today, many of us, old and young, can identify with this young man. A senior citizen might look back and wonder, “What has my life been all about? Why was I put here? A young person might wonder, “What am I going to do with my life, or what will become of me?

 

Jesus initially tells the young man to trust in the wisdom that has been handed down to him.

 

You know the commandments: You shall not kill;

You shall not commit adultery;

You shall not steal;

You shall not bear false witness;

You shall not defraud;

Honor your father and your mother.

 

Jesus was telling the man that living the commandments was all an ordinary person had to do. The young man replied that he had kept these commandments all his life but there must have been something in his voice indicating that something was still lacking. Despite all of his wealth, he had not found happiness. 

 

The gospel tells us that Jesus looked upon the rich young man with love and invited him to become a disciple.

 

"Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor

And you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”

 

Mark tells us that at the words of Jesus, the young man’s “face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.” This is probably the only occasion when someone rejects a personal invitation from Jesus. It is one of the saddest passages in scripture. What are we to make of this passage?

 

It would be easy to try and explain away these words but Jesus went even further after the young man left. Turning from the departing young man, he faced the apostles and said to them:

 

“Children, how hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God. It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

 

We are told that the Apostles were amazed at his words. They believed, as many of us do, that wealth was a sign of God’s favor. Poverty was never voluntarily chosen. At best, it was a suffering that had to be endured. There were groups of poor men like the Essenes but they were out of the mainstream of Jewish life.

 

Peter and the other disciples were shocked even though they must have been aware that Jesus often used strong words to drive home a point. They asked, “Who then can be saved?” The response of Jesus was full of hope: “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 

 

I have heard explanations of this hard saying of Jesus but it seems to me that Jesus is just being consistent with the teaching in the Book of Wisdom. There is something more important than the attainment of wealth. The things we possess have the power to possess us. Isn’t it true that the more we have, the more we want?

 

Jesus is not saying that we should cease to provide for ourselves and those entrusted to our care. He always told us to act like good stewards and manage our affairs wisely. Jesus told the young man that he had done well to just follow the commandments. 

 

Thank goodness that most of us are not rich and powerful. But there are still things we value that we find it hard to give up. What child will be successful in school if they are not willing to give up their games and hit the books? What marriage will be successful if the couple is unwilling to give up their own desires for the sake of each other? How many senior citizens end their lives in bitterness and despair surrounded by the accumulated possessions of a lifetime?

 

In today’s second reading from the Book of Hebrews we are told that the word of God is “sharper than any two edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow.” The hard sayings of Jesus should make us consider what is really important in our lives, and help us decide what we must do to inherit eternal life.

 

###

* The image above is a painting by the Venetian Renaissance master Giorgione that is usually called the "Three Ages of Man." I interpret it as "The Encounter of Jesus with the Rich Young Man" from today's gospel. 

Reading 1.  Wisdom 7: 7-11

Reading II. Hebrews 4: 12-13

Gospel. Mark 10:10-17 (What must I do…?)

Jesus and the Rich Young Man

                                    28th   Sunday in Ordinary Time

                                  

Giorgione: Jesus and the Rich Young Man***

            

Today’s first reading from the Book of Wisdom claims that wisdom is to be desired and sought after more than anything else in the world. Wisdom is regarded as more valuable than power or riches. It is even more to be desired than health or good looks. 

Actually, we are told that the attainment of wisdom will provide us with rewards greater than anything else in this life.  But, what is wisdom?

I like to think that wisdom is the ability to make a decision. Sometimes, it can be a clear cut decision between right and wrong. But most times, it might just involve a decision between two courses of action that both appear to be right. Should I take this job or that one? Should I take this course or that one? 

It doesn’t take much to realize that wisdom is not merely a matter of brain power. It is obvious that some of the most learned and knowledgeable people often demonstrate a remarkable inability to make proper decisions for themselves or others. I’m not saying that it pays to be ignorant, but that wisdom requires experience as well as knowledge. Often, wisdom involves relying on the experience of others, not just ourselves. 

In today’s gospel we have the famous account of the young man of great wealth who asks Jesus, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Today, many of us, old and young, can I identify with this young man. A senior citizen might look back and wonder, “What has my life been all about? Why was I put here? A young person might wonder, “What am I going to do with my life, or what will become of me?

Jesus initially tells the young man to trust in the wisdom that has been handed down to him.

You know the commandments: You shall not kill;

You shall not commit adultery;

You shall not steal;

You shall not bear false witness;

You shall not defraud;

Honor your father and your mother.

Jesus was telling the man that living the commandments was all an ordinary person had to do. The young man replied that he had kept these commandments all his life but there must have been something in his voice indicating that something was still lacking. Despite all of his wealth he had not found happiness. 

The gospel tells us that Jesus looked upon the rich young man with love and invited him to become a disciple.

Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor

And you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”

Mark tells us that at the words of Jesus, the young man’s “face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.” This is probably the only occasion when someone rejects a personal invitation from Jesus. It is one of the saddest passages in scripture. What are we to make of this passage?

It would be easy to try and explain away these words but Jesus went even further after the young man left. Turning from the departing young man, he faced the apostles and said to them:

Children, how hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God. It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.

We are told that the Apostles were amazed at his words. They believed, as many of us do, that wealth was a sign of God’s favor. Poverty was never voluntarily chosen. At best, it was a suffering that had to be endured. There were groups of poor men like the Essenes who lived like monks but they were out of the mainstream of Jewish life.

Peter and the other disciples were shocked even though they must have been aware that Jesus often used strong words to drive home a point. They asked, “Who then can be saved?” The response of Jesus was full of hope: “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 

I have heard explanations of this hard saying of Jesus but it seems to me that Jesus is just being consistent with the teaching in the Book of Wisdom. There is something more important than the attainment of wealth. The things we possess have the power to possess us. Isn’t it true that the more we have, the more we want?

Jesus is not saying that we should cease to provide for ourselves and those entrusted to our care. He always told us to act like good stewards and manage our affairs wisely. Jesus told the young man that he had done well to just follow the commandments. 

Thank goodness that most of us are not rich and powerful. But there are still things that we value that we find it hard to give up. What child will be successful in school if they are not willing to give up their games and hit the books? What marriage will be successful if the couple is unwilling to give up their own desires for the sake of each other? How many senior citizens end their lives in bitterness and despair surrounded by the accumulated possessions of a lifetime?

In today’s second reading from the Book of Hebrews we are told that the word of God is “sharper than any two edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow.” The hard sayings of Jesus should make us consider what is really important in our lives, and help us decide what we must do to inherit eternal life.

###

*** This painting by the great Venetian Renaissance master Giorgione is usually titled the "Three Ages of Man." I have interpreted it as The Encounter of Jesus with the Rich Young Man. For the interpretation click on this link.

Reading 1.  Wisdom 7: 7-11

Reading II. Hebrews 4: 12-13

Gospel. Mark 10:10-17 (What must I do…?)

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time
C cycle

Reading 1. Ecclesiastes 1:2; 2; 2-23
Reading II. Colossians 3: 1-5, 9-11
Gospel. Luke 12: 13-21 (this night your life will be demanded).


Our Lord must have been familiar with today's first reading from the Book of Ecclesiastes. "Vanity of vanities...All is vanity." The words of the ancient author sound very similar to words our Lord would use centuries later.

"For what profit comes to man from all the toil and anxiety of heart
with which he has labored under the sun?...
even at night his mind is not at rest."

Even the illustration of the man who labored so hard and well but who must eventually leave all his property behind at death is very similar to the one our Lord uses in today's gospel.

Before we get to the gospel we should realize that in St. Luke's previous chapter, our Lord has really let the Pharisees and the Lawyers have it because of their hypocrisy. He especially reproached them for their greed and selfishness. While they feather their own nests, they load others down with burdens and will not lift a finger to help. The Pharisees and the Lawyers bitterly resent the insulting words of Jesus and a heated argument breaks out. Sure enough a crowd gathers and it is at this point that our gospel reading begins.

Someone in the crowd asks his advice about an inheritance. A Rabbi was often asked to settle problems like this one. Jesus declines to offer advice on this particular question but takes the opportunity to warn the crowd. Now whenever we hear a crowd mentioned in the gospels, we can always assume that we are in it and that Jesus is speaking directly to us. He says,

Take care to guard against all greed,
for though one may be rich,
one's life does not consist of possessions.

Jesus then tells the parable of the rich man who is doing so well and making all kinds of plans for growing and expanding his business. The man thinks that once he reaches all his business goals that he will then be able to "rest, eat, drink, and be merry."
Little does he know that none of his plans will come to fruition.

You fool, this night your life will be demanded of you,
and the things you have prepared, to whom will they belong?

What would we do if we knew that tonight would be our last night on earth? I know that it's morbid to think like this and it certainly is impossible and un-Christian to begin every day thinking that it will be our last. We're supposed to get up every day with joy in our hearts, thankful for all the good things that the Lord has given us. Indeed, we're supposed to offer each day to the Lord hoping that it will be a productive one for ourselves and our loved ones.

Nevertheless, once a year when we hear the words, "Vanity of vanities...all things are vanity," it might not be a bad thing to consider what we might do if we knew this day might be our last. Who would we want to see? What would we say to them? What would we want to do that we have put off? Where would we like to go? What possessions or things would we want to use or enjoy for the last time? What book would we want to read? What song would we want to hear?

Maybe if we thought like this once a year we might appreciate the message in today's readings a little better. St. Paul tells the Colossians and us that if we have accepted Christ there is no longer any room in our life for idols. Now an idol is a false god, a mere human invention. It doesn't have to be a statue or image--it just has to be something that we have let enslave us in one way or another. Paul has a whole list of these things that are hurting us as well as those we love. He says,

Put to death, then, the parts of you that are earthly;
immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire,
and the greed that is idolatry...
all the anger and quick temper,
the malice, the insults, the foul language.
Stop lying to one another.

Our Lord was critical of the leaders of His time because of their greed and hypocrisy. He and St. Paul might as well have been speaking of our politicians today. Greed, malice, foul language, and lying are part and parcel of politics today. Is it any wonder that our politics are so divisive? If our leaders act the way they do, they are only reflecting what is going on in our society today. Immorality, greed, anger, and lying have become virtues rather than vices. Just look at the way these behaviors are glorified on television.

The readings today are saying that if we reflect on what is really important in life, we can bring peace and harmony into our lives, our families, our cities and our country. We've tried the old way and it doesn't work. What about a world where we recognize that because we all have the same heavenly Father, we are all brothers and sisters. Where,

there is not Greek and Jew,
circumcision and uncircumcision,
barbarian, Scythian, slave, free;
but Christ is all and in all.































































































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