Monday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Intention: For God’s healing and comfort to all who have been affected by severe weather across the nation.
Today’s Gospel | Mark 10:17-27
As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.” He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” At that statement, his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.”
From the Second Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
It is true that a number of doctrines are absolutely necessary for us to know in order to be saved. But what would it serve to know them if we did not take the trouble to practice the good to which we are bound?
Faith, Saint James says, without good works is dead. Saint Paul also says, If I knew all the mysteries and had full knowledge and all the faith such that I move mountains from one place to another but have not charity (that is, sanctifying grace), I am nothing.
Prayer
Eternal Father, there are so many times when allow ourselves to find our fulfillment in possessions and power. We organize our lives around acquiring comforts and not around your call to follow and to serve. We pray that we will open our hearts to your presence and remember always to seek first your Kingdom. Help us to place our faith and hope in you, and to live every day with humility, compassion, and justice. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.