TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Also Read: Mass Readings for 10 October 2021
First Reading: Wisdom 7: 7-11
Solomon’s Secret!
I loved her more than health and beauty, and I chose to have her rather than light because her radiance never ceases. (10)
All good things came to me along with her, and in her hands uncounted wealth. (11)
King Solomon was the richest and wisest man on Earth! Today’s passage is titled Solomon’s Respect for Wisdom in the NRSV Bible. From his expression here, we are able to gauge how much King Solomon revered Wisdom.
In a world racing after glory, glamour, and riches, we learn a valuable and time-tested lesson here today. If we only turn our hearts to seek true Wisdom, we would gain much more than we actually do. Because in Wisdom we would then walk each step with discernment and peace.
“But first strive for the kingdom of God and all His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Mt.6:33)
But seeking wisdom to gain wealth or otherworldly acclaim must never be the aim. Our humble and contrite hearts must come to the throne of Wisdom every time. For without HIM, we can do nothing. (Jn 15:5)
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 90: 12-13, 14-15, 16-17
True Prosperity Comes from The Lord!
So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart. (12)
Make us glad as many days as you have afflicted us, and as many years as we have seen evil. (15)
Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us and prosper for us the work of our hands- O prosper for us the work of our hands. (17)
While making bold requests of the Lord, let us wisely utilize our days. May all our dexterity and nimbleness, find favor with the Lord so that HE may bless all our work! Amen!
Second Reading: Hebrews 4: 12-13
ALERT: Source of Wisdom Found!
Indeed the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (12)
The Word of God, the scriptures that we are reflecting on today; hold the treasures of the universe! It is written a few verses before this passage, “Today if you hear his voice harden not your hearts.” (7) It is the voice we hear every time, every day, sometimes many times a day; – the voice we try to ignore! But, to truly discern the voice of Wisdom, we will need to be rooted in HIS word. Reading and reflecting on the Bible daily as a practice is the only way we may hope to attain true insight.
Yet, even as the author mentions here; not all that hear the Word will be able to accept it. Then, it is our soil that we need to till! The seed that God plants in our hearts through HIS Word, will bear fruit only in the contrite, tear-soaked soil of our souls!
Gospel: Mark 10: 17-30
Wisdom Speaks!
Jesus looking at him loved him and said, “You lack one thing, go and sell what you own and give the money to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come follow me.” (21)
Jesus looked at them and said, “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible. (27)
The rich man lacked something, yet Jesus loved him! Similarly, Christ loves each one of us, whether we choose to make the right choices or not!
With all the riches and might available to man, no human can do what God can – God went to the cross for us mortals and sinners! Only HE can show us our blocks! What are the blocks in our path to Wisdom? Is it our perseverance? Is it our ego? Or is it really our ignorance? We must remember, ignorance begins with ignoring, ignoring the Voice of Wisdom!
May we heed the Voice of our Good Shepherd today! Amen!
