This Sunday, we read more from Mark chapter 10.  Jesus talks about wealth and faith. To read this week’s readings, click here.

When we read “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” It gives us pause.  Is it wrong to have wealth?  Is it a sin to be a success?  It is easy for us to walk away sad, just as the rich man did.  It is in our American ethos to be self-reliant.  Americans are go-getters; we build businesses and we receive satisfaction for accomplishing things.  Looking at this Gospel on the surface, it can be a hard pill to swallow.

 

I Can Do It!

The reason it is hard for the rich to earn heaven is not the success, it is the lack of dependence on God.  When we have means, we look at problems and we solve them ourselves.  It doesn’t even cross our minds that we should pray or ask God for help when we can do it ourselves.  Why should I pray about this when I have the answer in my pocket?  The poor are more often closer to God because wealth can be, and is, a huge distraction in our lives.  Money is a distraction powerful enough to consume us.  Wealth can become a false god for us if we are not careful.

 

It sounds easy to do.  People say it all the time:  Let it go.  Jesus is calling us to let go of our things, our distractions, and He is telling us he is here to help.  “For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.” He is giving us reassurance, that the more we rely on Him, the less we need our things and distractions.  We can let go of our hurts and anger.  We can let go of the worldly things that lead us astray, not because we do it, but because Jesus will help us do it.

In Just a few weeks, we will be hosting an Arise Worship Night at our parish on All Saint’s Day.  At this event, we will worship Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.  This is Jesus, present for us.  He calls us to Him, so we can do what is impossible for us, but is possible for Him. 

 

No matter what our path in life, there will always be moments when we feel that our strength and patience are wearing thin and it is comforting to know that Jesus is always there for us. When we feel lonely or misunderstood, we can always turn to Him as a friend and confidant. Encountering Jesus Christ changes us—sometimes by signs and wonders, at other times by his peace. May we have the courage this week to boldly bring our needs and desires to the Lord, especially in his Eucharistic presence at Mass and in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. Be open to encountering Christ.

 

For more reading, check out the Eucharistic Revival website here.