Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Wisdom 7:7-11 | Hebrews 4:12-13 | Mark 10:17-30
“…there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or
mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of
the good news who will not receive a hundredfold...”
(Mark 10:29-30)
In reflecting on today’s scripture readings from the Book of Wisdom, the Letter to the Hebrews, and the Gospel of Mark, we find a rich tapestry of themes that interweave the nature of wisdom, the power of God’s word, and the challenge of discipleship. In embracing divine wisdom, being transformed by the word, and responding to the call of discipleship, we are offered a path that leads not only to eternal life but to a richer, more meaningful existence here and now.
In the first reading from the Book of Wisdom, King Solomon, having prayed for and received wisdom, recognizes the immeasurable value of wisdom. He recognizes that in seeking wisdom, he found not only understanding but a deeper connection to the divine. This wisdom is described as more precious than riches and more enduring than any earthly treasure. The passage encourages us to recognize that true fulfillment comes from aligning our hearts and minds with divine wisdom, which will guide our choices and enrich our lives. It reminds us that true understanding transcends mere knowledge and invites us into a deeper awareness of God’s presence in our lives and the world around us.
In the gospel account from Mark, we encounter a rich young man who approaches Jesus and inquires about what he must do to inherit eternal life. When Jesus tells him that he must follow the Law of Moses, the young man reports that he has observed the commandments faithfully since childhood. Jesus does not simply affirm the young man’s sense of righteousness; instead, he challenges him to confront his attachment to wealth and invites this young man to give up his earthly possessions and follow him fully. While the young man’s earnestness is admirable, he is unable to accept the demands of true discipleship.
As the young man departs, Jesus turns to his disciples and makes a startling declaration: “How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God” (Mark 10:23). Jesus is not condemning wealth but rather is challenging us to reflect on the “riches” we hold on to that prevent us from entering into a closer relationship with God. These riches may not always be financial; they also can be relationships, ambitions, or even our own plans for the future. In today’s Gospel, Jesus calls us to radical discipleship – a willingness to surrender all for the sake of following Him. Jesus assures his disciples and us that anyone who “has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for the sake of the good news” (Mark 10:29) will be richly rewarded.
Like the disciples and the young man in today’s gospel, our own journey may be filled with moments of doubt and struggle, but it is through these challenges that we grow in faith and understanding. Let us pray for the courage to accept the radical call of discipleship, to seek first the Kingdom of God, and to trust that with God, all things are possible.
Sr. Mary T. Flood, OP