Sunday Reflection: 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle B

jesus-and-the-rich-young-man

1st Reading: Wisdom 7:7-11
2nd Reading: Hebrews 4:12-13
Gospel: Mark 17-30

What do you seek in life? What is your life’s goal? These are questions that we have to answer as we continue our journey in this world. We have to be clear of our goals in life and be ready to face the consequences of our choices.

In our Gospel this Sunday, we hear the story of the rich young man who approached Jesus to ask Him how to have eternal life. So, Jesus taught Him the basics, to follow the Commandments that God has given. To this, the young man said that he has been doing it since childhood. He was looking for a more radical way of achieving eternal life. Here the Lord sees the potentials of this young man, and Jesus looks at him and loved him. Jesus sees that there is more to this young man. Jesus saw in him a bright future. Jesus, then, gave him the most radical way of achieving eternal, to sell everything he possesses and to give the proceeds to the poor and to follow Him. Here we can see that following Jesus is to follow the way of self-emptying. It is through giving up of what is mundane and being enriched by God’s grace.

When we are caught up to what is worldly, we are incapable of following Jesus for the way of Jesus is the way of “kenosis,” a life of complete surrender to God’s love and mercy. It is in this way that eternal life is given to us; we completely live the life of God. When we are filled with God, no worldly thing can hinder us from fulfilling the will of God and nothing can obstruct the flow of grace in our life.

The 1st Reading gives us the example of a person who is looking for wisdom. For that person, wisdom is better than scepter and throne, riches are nothing in comparison to it. Any worldly possession, even health and calmliness are nothing. All these come from wisdom. To possess wisdom is to possess everything. For wisdom guide all towards the fullness of life. This wisdom opens us to the most essential in life, God Himself. This wisdom is not something we can find by ourselves; this is given by God to those who come to Him and ask for it. This wisdom guides that person in the right way, the way of God.

This Wisdom is made flesh, the Word of God who is living and effective, one who is sharper than a two-edged sword that pierces us, penetrating through all our life.  Jesus is the Incarnate Wisdom of God and the Word made man. He penetrates through all that so that we may be able to see the reality of our life. He opens us to the promised life that God will give us. He is the guide that helps us to achieve our deepest longing, a life joy and fullness, eternal life.

What do we seek in life then? What is our goal in life? We seek eternal life, and this is also our goal. Therefore, let us seek for Jesus and heed His call. May we follow Him, even if it may seem to be difficult at times. May we never leave the sight of Jesus sad, like the young man. May Jesus be our only treasure and possession.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fray Alexus Mansueto, OAR

Fray Alexus Mansueto, OAR

Priest/Religious of the Order of Augustinian Recollects in the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno.