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Sunday Scripture Study

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time- Cycle B

October 11, 2015

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Opening Prayer

First Reading: Wisdom 7:7-11

Psalm: 90:12-17

Second Reading: Hebrews 4:12-13

Gospel Reading: Mark 10:17-30

Jesus is preparing to leave the area of Galilee “beyond the Jordan” on his way to Jerusalem (Mark 10:10, 17, 32). He continues his instruction on discipleship.

Jesus is approached by a man (Matthew tells us he is a young man, Matthew 19:20) who asks what he must do to enter the Kingdom of Heaven (verse 17). We find out later that this young man is also rich (v. 22). At the time, wealth was considered to be a sign of divine favor, if not election.

Jesus cites to him the last seven of the Ten Commandments—the ones having to do with love of neighbor (Exodus 20:2-17; Deuteronomy 5:6-21.He also adds a prohibition against fraud which, while not one of the Ten Commandments, may be inferred from Deuteronomy 24:14.). The rich young man assures Jesus that he has kept these from his youth.

Jesus, looking into this young man’s heart, sees something there that will cause him to be the only one in the Gospels to refuse a personal call from the Lord.

QUESTIONS:

In the 1^st Reading, the writer is asking for wisdom, a gift he knows should be prized above all gifts. What kind of things does God want us to value and ask him for? What kind of things do I ask of God in my prayer time?

In light of the 2^nd Reading, how do you approach the reading of Scripture or homilies at Mass? Can you think of any occasions when hearing God’s word helped to reveal intentions that had lain buried, perhaps for years?

In questioning the rich young man’s address to him as “good teacher,” and pointing out that “no one is good but God alone,” is Jesus denying his divinity, or affirming it? Why or why not?

Jesus quizzes the young man on only a partial list of the 10 Commandments (see Exodus 20). How well might the man obeyed the one’s not mentioned—those relating directly to God?

Why does Jesus command the man as he does (verse 21; see also Mark 8:34)? What does the man’s response reveal about what was incomplete about his good works?

What does the disciple’s shock reveal about them? On what basis is it possible for anyone to receive the Kingdom?

How many possessions do you have? How do they affect your relationship with Jesus? How dismayed are you when he asks you to give them up? Aside from riches, what is the “one thing” (verse 21)—friends, job, lifestyle, free time—that keeps you from completely following Jesus?

Are you more like the children we read about last week (Mark 10:13-16) or the rich young man in terms of the way you approach God?

Closing Prayer

Catechism of the Catholic Church: §§ 2068, 2072, 1858, 1618, 2082

Riches are not forbidden, but the pride of them is. –St. John Chrysostom

The Opportunity of a Lifetime

Pastor’s Column

28^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

October 11, 2015

Will I recognize my opportunity when God offers it to me, or like the rich young man in this Sunday’s gospel (Mark 10:17-30), choose a lessor good and ultimately go away sad? This gospel is a haunting one in that Christ encounters a young man who can only go so far in his discipleship before his many possessions get in the way, and he misses the opportunity of a lifetime: the opportunity to be perhaps even an apostle. What Christ offered this man, and still offers us, are investment opportunities in our own future, if we only have the eyes to see them for what they are. What we give in life is ultimately what God returns to us, with interest!

It can be enlightening to sit down and figure out exactly what percent of my waking hours are given over to prayer; how many, by contrast, to the internet? Prayer is infinitely more valuable to us in the long run, but our immediate choices can often leave the Lord effectively shut out of our normal day. If we give him time, he will take care of our needs as well.

Another investment opportunity the Lord presents to us is relationships. The rich young man was offered friendship with God, but he chose his possessions instead. The relationships we have built up over a lifetime of love and sacrifice do not end at death, but will be carried over into eternity, long after our earthly possessions have been given over to others.

Tithing is an investment that pays dividends now and into eternity because God never stops giving! What percent of my income (net or gross) do I give to my church or charities of any kind? There are two kinds of giving: spontaneous and planned. Both are good indications of how important the Lord is in our lives. When a parishioner tithes at Saint Ed’s, for example, they become part of every good work that we do here, as if they were actually doing the works themselves.

Once a few priests and I went on a retreat in Larchmont, New York, and afterward we spent a few days in New York City. While on one of those double-deck sightseeing busses in Manhattan, we passed by the great investment houses of Wall Street and many enormous buildings. Suddenly, I happened to look down and, without having a clue as to where this was, saw the small one-door entrance to a certain charity for the blind I have given to for years. As we passed, I head the Lord say to me, “Here is one of your best investments!”

Planned giving to Saint Ed’s and other charities, prayer, our actions and sacrifices that make a difference in the lives of others, and our relationships are our only true wealth, for they are all expressions of our faith in Christ.

Father Gary