Sunday Gospel Reflection
You will have treasure in heaven

Introduction:

Yearnings

What is the greatest need in our society? To what lengths will people seek answers to that need?

The political season is upon us. Politicians from every side promise us policies and programs to satisfy every need. Have a problem? Look around. You'll soon find a candidate that will "empower" you with a solution.

Of course, the cynic in all of us knows better. But, that skeptical piece of knowledge does not stop our inner craving for answers to our problems. Sometimes we seek the public means, sometimes private. No matter how hard we try, no matter how much money or influence we have, it does not seem to be enough. We still seek that which will make us happy, that which leave us satisfied.

A man knelt before Jesus to find an answer to his search. What Jesus said to the man challenged the fundamental direction of his life.

First Reading
Wisdom 7:7-11

7 Therefore I prayed, and understanding was given me; I called upon God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.
8 I preferred her to scepters and thrones, and I accounted wealth as nothing in comparison with her. 9 Neither did I liken to her any priceless gem, because all gold is but a little sand in her sight, and silver will be accounted as clay before her.
10 I loved her more than health and beauty, and I chose to have her rather than light, because her radiance never ceases. 
11 All good things came to me along with her, and in her hands uncounted  wealth.

Second Reading
Hebrews 4:12-13

12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
13 And before him no creature is hidden, but all are open and laid bare to the eyes of him with whom we have to

Gospel Reading
Mark 10:17-30

17 When Jesus first started on a journey, a man ran up to him, felt to his knees, and asked, "Perfect Teacher, what do I have to do so I can receive eternal life?"
18 "Why do you call me 'perfect?'" Jesus shot back. "Only God is 'perfect.'
19 You know God's commandments: Don't kill. Don't be unfaithful in marriage. Don't steal. Don't lie about others. Don't cheat. Honor your parents."
20 "But, teacher," the man replied, "I've obeyed all these commandments since I was a young boy."
21 As he looked at the man, Jesus felt love for him. So, Jesus said, "There is something else you don't have. Leave here, sell everything you own, and give the money you earn to the poor. You will have treasure with God. Then, come and follow me."
22 The man's face turned very sad for he was rich. So the man left.
23 Jesus looked around and said to his followers, "It's really hard for the rich to enter God's Kingdom!"
24 Jesus' followers looked surprised by what he said. So, Jesus told them again, "Children, it's really hard to enter God's Kingdom.
25 It's easier for a large camel to squeeze through the small eyelet of a needle than for a rich person to get into God's Kingdom."
26 Now Jesus' followers were really surprised! "Then, who can be saved?" they asked.
27 Jesus looked right at them and said, "People can't to it by themselves, only God can do it. For 'everything is possible with God!'"

Bible Study/Meditation

Man's problem with possessions and riches comes from grasping them so closely to our heart that they replace the Son as the center of our vision and the apple of our eye. I believe that the point of this week's Gospel reading, is Jesus' warning regarding "trusting in riches." As long as we are in this world we still need to relate
to possessions and money. True peace and happiness is enhanced when we recognize that posses-sions and money are simply tools that enable us to live as God desires. They are a means not an end.

This leaves us with the question, "What should be the end or the goal of our existence?" Is it not the same issue with which Jesus confronts the rich young man? Namely, abandon anything in your life that is hindering your commitment, and  come follow me. The rich young ruler did much for which he could be commended. Many would say he "had his heart in the right place." Yet his response to Jesus' challenge and invitation to sell all and come follow him, indicated a hesitancy to put
the call of Christ ahead of his life of financial security.

Surprisingly it is often not just wealthy people who are beset by the problem of trusting in riches. Often, we who have little are preoccupied with concern about acquiring more money, and our preoccupation blocks out the reality of Jesus Christ and his call to righteous living. Actually, concern about acquiring ever more possessions and money is simply another way of saying we are trusting in them. Why are we concerned? Because deep in our heart we believe (trust) that they are the key to security, comfort, freedom, peace, and a host of other inner desires.

The Scriptures do not tell us how the rich young man ultimately responded, but only indicated the emotional turmoil the decision was obviously causing. As we grow in discipleship and commitment we often experience a similar initial sorrow as we decide to abandon some attachment we love for someone we choose to love more; Jesus. But it is a short sorrow, which as Jesus goes on to teach in this passage, is replaced by surpassing joy which is a hundredfold in comparison, and eternal in value.

Reflections:

· Please re-read the phrase(s)/sentence(s) that move(s)/touche(s) you and what inner message of the heart is the Spirit whispering to you?

. Each human being has that same craving. Within each of us lies a desire for that which transcends time and space, that which will satisfy for a lifetime and beyond. God created us with that craving so we would seek him out. For only in him will we find true happiness. As we find God, we discover we are utter dependant upon him. That finding can be too much for some to bear. They want control, power, influence. They become, at best, indifferent to religious expression. At worst, they become hostile and violent against the desire to seek God. Nonetheless, apathy or persecution cannot stop the inner yearning that finds itself in every person.
  ----How have your inner yearnings brought you to God? How has he satisfied those yearnings?

. Throughout life's challenges and struggles, a yearning still drives us on. The yearning finds its first refreshment in a faith relationship with God. But that yearning drives us to a closer relationship with our maker. It makes moral and religious demands on us. Despite the daily distractions of life, temptations to look for answers elsewhere, and our own moral weaknesses, let us remember the words of Jesus: "For God, nothing is impossible."
  ----How has God shown you his power, turning the impossible to the possible? How will your answer affect your prayer life this week?

. Examine your current life: your wealth (be it rich or poor), your health (be it well or sick), your behaviors. Which helps me be closer to God? Which keeps you away from Him?

. Jesus' teachings are demanding and challenging.  ask that He look upon you with love, so that you can trust Him like a child upon his parent, to trust that "all things are possible with God."

.What gives hope and satisfaction to our desire for happiness and security? What's the best investment you can make with your life?

.How would you respond if Jesus issued the same invitation to you?

.What are some warning signals that would indicate that you are in danger of trusting in weath?

Prayer

Lord, you have captured our hearts and opened to us the treasures of heaven. May you always be my treasure and delight and may nothing else keep me from giving you my all