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Word To Life
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Sunday Scripture Readings: Oct. 15, 2006
By Jeff Hensley
Catholic News Service
October 15, 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Cycle B Readings:
1) Wisdom 7:7-11
Psalm 90:12-17
2) Hebrews 4:12-13
3) Gospel: Mark 10:17-30
It has been my pleasure to know a large number of men better than myself. They have been doctors, lawyers, meat inspectors, mechanics, engineers and insurance salesmen. Like growing to like vegetables and fish, this observation of the virtue of others is one of the great privileges of growing into maturity (or at least getting gray hair).
One of my virtuous friends, the meat inspector, died only a couple of weeks ago. Ralph was one of the finest men I ever knew. He was also one of the gentlest, most courteous and wisest of men. Humble, good humored, he epitomized for me the manly maturity all males hope to grow into.
And he had a godly wisdom that came forth in his humor. He didn't talk a great deal, nor was he taciturn, but when he spoke you knew that what he said would be, like him, reliable, sound and grounded in his love of God and common-sense wisdom.
This week's Scriptures speak much of the value of wisdom and how, when pursued above all other goals, it brings us all good things besides.
In the reading from Mark for this weekend, we have the rich young man coming up to Jesus asking what must be done to enter into eternal life. Jesus asks him if he knows the commandments and lists off six of the 10. The young man replies that he has kept them from his youth. Jesus then asks him to measure up to a higher standard, to sell all his many possessions and give them to the poor. The young man turns on his heel and goes away sad, knowing he cannot part with his riches.
Though I can't know for certain that the virtuous men I have known would be able to meet this higher standard, I do believe they are not so full of the love of money that they would have no chance of complying with Jesus' call to leave their possessions behind to follow him -- should he ever make that request.
QUESTIONS:
Are there possessions or honors or positions that own you rather than you owning them? If Jesus called you to give them up for the sake of the Gospel, what would you do?
SCRIPTURE TO ILLUSTRATE:
"How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God?" (Mark10:23b)
END
Copyright © 2006 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS Word To Life column may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service.
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