Readings:
Wis 7:7-11
Ps 90:12-13, 14-15, 16-17
Heb 4:12-13
Mk 10:17-30 or 10:17-27
“All things are possible for God”
The gospel we read for this 28th Sunday offers both challenge and promise. The story of the man’s interaction with Jesus evokes many different thoughts and questions. Let’s put ourselves into the story. A man approaches Jesus as he journeys with his disciples. He asks Jesus what he has to do to inherit eternal life. Perhaps you too ask that question in your thoughts, your prayers. Jesus replies “No one is good except God.” Jesus then gives instructions familiar to us from the Ten Commandments. Like the man, most would respond, “I have followed all these since my youth. I have not murdered, stolen, or committed adultery. I have honored my father and mother.” The challenge follows when Jesus, looking at the man with love, tells him to go and sell his possessions and give to the poor, followed by the promise that he will have treasures in heaven. “Come. follow me.” A challenge and promise that the man found too difficult. The story tells us that he walked away.
As we ask ourselves how we might have responded were we the protagonist in this encounter with Jesus what thoughts arise? Is it wrong to have possessions, wealth? Do I have to give all to the poor? What does it mean to follow Jesus? What about the common belief based on the scriptures that wealth is a reward for following God’s will? This teaching remains true in our culture, in many cultures, that God will pour down riches on those who follow him. Do I sometimes look down on people who are poor, struggling, and judge them for not being “good,” perhaps unworthy of God’s goodness? What is the relationship between material well-being and discipleship? Perhaps you have other questions as you reflect on the encounter of the man with Jesus. What is the message for you?
My years of ministry and accompanying others have shown that many people have questions similar to these as they attempt to live the Gospel message. Listening deeply to their searching questions, and to our own, we might realize the man’s dilemma. He desired to know the Lord and to serve Him and became confused about Jesus’ request.
Our first reading from Solomon provides some guidance in his prayer for wisdom. Solomon sought wisdom above all else. Wisdom had no equal, all else was as sand and clay. We read the promise that acquiring wisdom leads to friendship with God. “All good things came to me with her (wisdom) and wealth past counting in her hands.” Wisdom, friendship with God, for Solomon is the way to a good life. This theme is repeated in the words of Psalm 90. We are encouraged to pray for wisdom of heart so that we might be filled with the love of the Lord.
Jesus looked on the man with love. He recognized his potential to be a disciple and offered him the challenge together with the promise. The man did not accept either. However, the teaching of Mark 10 does not end with the man’s interaction with Jesus. Rather, the dialogue continues with Jesus telling the disciples that it is very difficult to enter the kingdom of God. “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” The image of a camel and eye of a needle cannot be missed. It says “impossible.”
Again, it is important to keep reading: Jesus looked at them intently and said, “For human beings it is impossible but not for God, for all things are possible for God.” We receive here the real challenge, a bigger one than surrendering our possessions. This challenge and promise asks us to believe, to have faith in God’s goodness and Mercy. Wisdom, friendship with God and faith are the response needed by the man, and by us.
Eleanor Doidge, LoB
Assoc. Professor, Intercultural Studies and Ministry, Retired