October 11, 2009
Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Reading 1 Reflection:
If one person prays to win the lottery and another person prays for wisdom, which do you think has offered the most meaningful prayer? The author of this reading sees clearly that wisdom is more desirable than riches. It is also to be valued above power, health, and beauty. Wisdom enables us to keep our priorities straight.
It helps us to see things from God's point of view. Sometimes we hesitate to seek the things of God because it might mean we have to lose the things of earth. But when we seek God and God's kingdom first, everything else of true value will follow.
Reading 2 Reflection:
A two-edged sword is a very powerful symbol. When we picture God's word as a sharp sword, we want to sit up and pay attention to the reading. The inspired author teaches us that this sword can cut right to the human heart. It judges our thoughts and decisions.
It saves those who listen to it and requires an accounting from those who ignore it. The symbol of the sword reminds us that God's word is alive and active. It is never a word that is lifeless or without meaning in our daily lives. It is always capable of changing us if we let it.
Gospel Reflection:
The rich young man in this story is like a mountain climber who has almost reached the summit. But the final stretch will be more difficult than the distance he has already come. He comes to seek wisdom from Jesus about how to achieve everlasting life.
He assures the Good Teacher that he has kept the commandments since he was a child. Jesus looks at him with love and challenges him to do one thing more. If he wants to reach the summit of treasure in heaven, the young man must sell his possessions and follow Jesus. This he cannot do. So he goes away sad. Jesus assures his disciples that entering the kingdom of God is no easy matter.
Those who are attached to their possessions will have a more difficult time. However, those who rely on God to achieve the impossible can do all good things.
The Holy Father's Monthly Intentions for the year 2010:
SEPTEMBER 2010
The Word of God as Sign of Social Development
General: That in less developed parts of the world the proclamation of the Word of God may renew people’s hearts, encouraging them to work actively toward authentic social progress.
The End of War
Missionary: That by opening our hearts to love we may put an end to the numerous wars and conflicts which continue to bloody our world.
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