Sirach 17:20-24 / Mark 10:17-27

We are in the eighth week of Ordinary Time. The day after tomorrow will be Ash Wednesday, and we will begin the Season of Lent.

Today the evangelist Mark tells us about Jesus' astonishing statement about the hardship for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God.

A man with many possessions, who had observed the commandments from his youth, ran up to Jesus and, knelt down before him, wanted to know what he must do to inherit eternal life.

Jesus looked at that man, loved him, and told him to sell what he had and give to the poor, and then follow Him. But he went away sad, with his face fell.

Then Jesus repeatedly told the disciples how hard it was for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God. The disciples were amazed and exceedingly astonished at this statement. They asked each other who then could be saved.

Jesus told His disciples that salvation was impossible for men, but not for God, for Whom all things would be possible.

There are people who, like that man with many possessions, place all their trust in material goods, in the riches of this world. Such people depend on money, have no freedom, and allow themselves to be enslaved.

The sadness of this episode is that that man with many possessions truly had a desire for holiness and perfection, but his attachment to wealth made him cowardly in accepting Jesus' loving invitation, as the apostles did.

The radical following of the poor, chaste and obedient Christ must be proposed to everyone, even if only a few accept the invitation. Those who become poor for the world and rich for God, following Jesus' example, experience great inner freedom, which helps in the proclamation and witness of the Gospel.

We need money, but let us not allow ourselves to be enslaved by it. Between God and money, let us have the courage to prioritize God.

Today the Book of Sirach tells us how great is the mercy of the Lord, inviting us to repentance. Sinners must turn again to the Most High, detest what He loathes, stand firm in the way of Grace, in the prayer of praise, in the company of the holy people who proclaim the glory of God.

Let us, sinners, draw near to the merciful God. And, while we are alive and well, let us praise the Lord in His mercies!

Local: Springfield, MA, EUA

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