SUNDAY HOMILY OF 28TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME — YEAR B
HOMILY THEME: WHAT IS HOLDING ME BACK FROM FOLLOWING JESUS?
BY: Fr. Augustine Ikechukwu Opara
Wisdom 7:7-11; Psalm 90:12-13.14.15.16-17 (R.14); Hebrews 4:12-13; Mark 10:17-30
On this twenty-eighth Sunday of ordinary time, we celebrate Christ the Wisdom and Word of God. Wisdom and the Word of God are the two basic pillars of every Christian foundation. Christ is the wisdom of God, that is why we call our mother Mary the Seat of Wisdom, and the Word of God is Christ as St John tells us “In the beginning was the word, the word was with God… And Word came to dwell with his people (John 1:1-15). Even if we have nothing in this world, Christ is sufficient and is all things for us. We are rich in him because he is alive and active in our hearts. Hence, Saint Augustine reminds us that: Our heart must not rest until it is united with this precious Wisdom.
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The Book of Wisdom was written around half a century before the birth of Christ, at a time when all hope of a personal Messiah in the line of David seemed remote. The only way in which God might enter this world seemed to be by his wisdom. This chapter goes on to show how God created the world and continues to rule it with his Wisdom. Thus, Wisdom is more valuable than wealth. Furthermore, as a Master is accompanied by his servants, Wisdom is accompanied by true wealth.
In today’s Gospel reading, we see another example of Mark’s pattern, which shows Jesus offering further elaboration about his message and meaning to his disciples. To his disciples, Jesus laments the challenges faced by those who are rich in following him and entering the Kingdom of God. In reply to the disciples’ astonishment at the strictness of the standard that Jesus speaks about today, Jesus reminds his disciples that nothing is impossible with God. Salvation is determined by our ability to rely completely upon God. So, it is more about attitude than wealth.
It is always hard to let go of something – or even harder – someone that has been much a part of our lives. That is because it is our nature to cling to what is familiar, comfortable, and secure to resist what might disturb or upset the existing order or status quo. Discipleship is a journey that demands courage because it forces us to abandon security in favor of vulnerable trust, and self-interest in favor of passion for justice. Jesus very much wants this man to be his disciple. We believe that the Christian faith is one in which each believer is in a personal relationship with Jesus. Just as this Gospel tells us that Jesus loves the man and is sad when he departs, so too, Jesus loves us and is saddened whenever we are unable to follow him.
Similarly, in the story of the rich man’s encounter with Jesus Christ, we learn about the ultimate thing that far surpasses wealth – eternal life. Eternal Life or life in the kingdom of heaven does not only surpass wealth, health, power, and even human wisdom, it actually gives us true wisdom, wealth, health, etc. Thus, the Lord says: ‘Seek you first the kingdom of heaven and all other things shall be added unto it’ (Matt. 6:33). Be free not to be possessed by your possessions: If our identity as human persons are locked into our possessions, then when we lose our possessions what will become of our identity.
My brothers and sisters, at times, it seems to us that we have done “all things well.” Unfortunately, pride and love of this world make it difficult for us to see the true reality of our lives. We must not allow material wealth to become an obstacle between us and eternal life. Jesus simply challenges these transitory things and invites us to give God the prime place. Why? Because money can buy us a cozy bed but not sound sleep. So then, let us pray in this Eucharist that we accept the primacy of God and his kingdom in our lives so that we will not only use things but love people. And in this way, we will be free not to be possessed by our possessions.
Have a blessed week!
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