28TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Wisdom 7:7-11
Psalm 89:12-17
Hebrews 4:12-13
Mark 10:17-30

THE RICH YOUNG MAN

The Word of God is something alive and active; it works like a double-edged sword. It penetrates our inner being and reveals our secret thoughts. Yes, the Word of God always challenges us. Today, it challenges us to take a fresh look at our attitude towards riches.

The first reading tells us that there is nothing that can be compared with wisdom. Thus, the author held everything, riches, social status and privilege as nothing before the wisdom of God (Wis. 7:7-11). This passage reminds us of St Paul, for he lost everything because of the surpassing value of knowing Jesus Christ the Lord and considered them as rubbish in order that he may gain Christ (cf. Phil 3:8).

The gospel throws a challenge to each one of us, and not only to the young rich man. “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” was the question the rich man put to Jesus? It reveals his deep quest for salvation which is the ultimate reward for good life, a life of holiness. The man has contented himself with observing the commandments of God. Now Jesus asks him to go, sell all.... come and follow him. But the rich man went away very sad because he had great wealth. His riches, or better still, his attitude towards his riches, became an obstacle for him to embrace the way of freedom, joy and eternal life.

Indeed, asking a rich man to let go all his possessions and follow an itinerant preacher was not a light decision to take on the road side. But the request of Jesus and the subsequent interaction with his disciples show us that the way to holiness is not merely observing the law.

It demands letting go something dear to us, leaving something behind, detaching oneself from what is holding him back. It demands a breakup with what promises material comfort. The disciples had left everything to follow Jesus; and their reward was great. May the Lord help us so that our material possessions may not become an obstacle on our way to eternal life. Amen

25TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Wisdom 2:12.17-20
Psalm 53
James 3:16—4:3
Mark 9:30-37

I WANT TO BE GREAT

Every human being aspires to achieve greatness. In our homes, churches, workplaces, in politics and public institutions, everyone wants to be promoted and be “the boss”, to be in the high position, to have power. But many have achieved greatness through the wrong way. Out of hatred, some have made a name for themselves through the killing of innocent and good people. For the life of the good person is a threat to their own malicious ambitions and evil living (Wisdom 2:12.17-20). For St James, in the second reading, the root of our fightings, quarrels and wars as well as some shameful actions lie in jealousy and our selfish ambitions (James 3:16—4:3)

When Jesus became aware of the argument among his disciples about who was the greatest among them, he told them: “If anyone wishes to be first, he must be the last and slave of all”. For Jesus therefore, greatness is achieved through humble service to others, especially the most vulnerable in our communities.  This is what the symbol of the little child placed in the midst of the disciples tells us (Mark 9:30-37). It is not so much about the innocence of the little child, but rather about the vulnerability of the child. Here the child represents those who have no social status, no say, no power, no influence; a person who can easily be controlled, abused or neglected.

Therefore, when we set aside our jealousy and envy, our evil driven desires and selfish concerns and become welcoming, tender, kind, loving, humble and serving others, especially the vulnerable, we will be great. Like St Francis of Assisi and Mother Teresa, to mention but a few, who achieved their greatness through selfless service to the poor, sick, elderly people and vulnerable, let us seek the good and welfare of the little ones. As the Pope said in his homily at his inaugural Mass: “Let us not forget that authentic power is service." May God bless and keep all of us.
Amen

THIRTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR B

Wisdom 1:13-5.2:23-24
Psalm 29:2.4-6.11-13
2Corinthians 8:7.9.13-15
Mark 5:21-43

MAKING THE STEP OF FAITH

The readings of today teach us that God made us for fullness of life. At first glance, the assertions of the first reading seem contrary to what we experience daily in this life. It tells us that God did not create death. He created all things to subsist for eternity. He made man imperishable. And yet, we experience suffering and death. Thus, the author tells us that these are the doing of the devil (Wisdom 1:13-5.2:23-24).

God being so good, he sent his Son Jesus Christ to restaure this distorted order. Thus, throughout his public ministry, Jesus performed many healing miracles; he raised the dead to life. In today’s gospel, Jairus implored Jesus to heal his daughter who was terminally ill; the woman who was suffering from haemorrhage for twelve years got healed when she touched the garment of Jesus, and Jesus raised the little girl to life by simply saying “Little girl, I tell you to get up” (Mark 5:21-43).

What is common in both Jairus and the suffering woman is their faith in Jesus. Out of this faith, they dared to approach Jesus hoping they would get their needs met. Yes, when we approach Jesus in faith, he comes to us with blessing, healing, wholeness, joy, peace, and fullness of life. For he came that we may have life, life in abundance (John 10:10).

Jesus was rich, yet for our sake he became poor, so that by his poverty we may become rich, we are told in the second reading. Thus, in giving relief to us, Jesus invites us to do the same to others through sharing.

Therefore, faith in Jesus gives a new meaning to our lives. Therefore, we must strive daily to approach Jesus, touch him and have this transforming and life changing experience with him, especially in prayer and in the celebration of the Eucharist.

May he increase our faith so that we may not lose hope in our difficult and terrifying moments.
Amen.