Mark 10:17
Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?
Readings for Sunday: Wisdom, Hebrews, Mark
Reflection:
In today’s world, it’s easy to view wealth and material success as signs of blessing. We look at the affluent—celebrities, business moguls, or even the wealthy families in our own neighborhoods—and think that their lives must be filled with happiness and security. But Jesus offers a different perspective in the Gospel. The rich young man who approaches Jesus is genuinely seeking eternal life, but when Jesus invites him to give up his possessions and follow Him, the man leaves in sorrow. His wealth, instead of bringing him closer to God, becomes a barrier to the deeper relationship he desires. This story invites us to reflect on our own attachments.
While many of us may not consider ourselves rich, we live with comforts and conveniences that past generations would have regarded as immense wealth. The question we must ask ourselves is: do these possessions help us grow closer to God, or do they create distance between us and Him? Jesus reminds us that true fulfillment is not found in accumulating things but in detaching from them and placing our trust in God. We are called to examine our hearts, seek detachment from material things, and generously share our blessings with others. Through this, we find deeper communion with God and real joy.
Reflection Questions
- In your prayer, ask: What material things in my life hold too much of my attention or affection? How might God be calling me to let go of them to deepen my relationship with Him?
- Reflect on this: How often do I prioritize my faith over comfort and convenience? What changes can I make to live more simply and focus on what truly matters to God?
- Consider in quiet reflection: Am I generous with my resources—time, money, and talents? How is God asking me to grow in generosity, and what steps can I take to trust Him more in this area?