Word to the Wise
Sunday, October 10, 2021 - 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time - B
[Wis 7:7-11; Heb 4:12-13; Mark 10:17-30 or 10:17-27,112]"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. {Mark]
There is a notorious trap called "the monkey trap!" It is a box with a banana in it and a hole large enough to get an empty hand through. The monkey reaches in and grabs the banana, only to discover that he/she cannot pull it out because the hole is too small. Unwilling or unable to let go of the banana, the monkey is trapped. He/she must let go of the banana in order to be free! But unless he does let go of it, he will remain trapped until the trapper comes to claim him!
I think of that image in connection with the rich man who comes to Jesus and asks what he must do to inherit eternal life. He has lived a good life but senses that there is something more. He has found the banana but is looking for something to add to it. Jesus tells him he has to let go of that banana and follow after him [Jesus]. But, the banana is a certain thing and following Jesus is not so certain. The "hundredfold" Jesus promises demands giving up what WE think is security in the sensory order and embracing something the Lord promises. The rich man goes away sad.
In essence, Jesus asks the rich man, "Do you own your stuff or does your stuff own you?" If he owns it, then he can sell it and follow Jesus. If not, then he is trapped like that monkey whose freedom is lost because of that banana! With the first scripture for today from the Book of Wisdom in mind, we can ask ourselves what is the wisest course of action for the rich man, and then ask what the wisest course is for us!!! Jesus awaits our answer. AMEN
Comment on Reflection
<< Previous Date [Back to List] Next Date >>