Jesus looked around and said to his disciples,
“How hard it is for those who have wealth
to enter the Kingdom of God!”
(Mark 10:23)
Eternal life is a gift from God, not something that can be earned through good deeds. Jesus helps us to consider our position before God. Our relationship to the Law is more focused on outward actions, keeping the Law and meeting the standard of God from our perspective. This is significant because it illustrates the challenge of prioritizing wealth and material possessions over following Jesus. Despite the difficulties and challenges, Jesus reassures us that everything is possible with God.
17 As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 19 You know the commandments: You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.” 20 He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” 21 Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “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.” 22 At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God!” 24 The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” 26 They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God. (Mark 10:17-27)
Eternal life, a gift so divine, not earned by deeds, but by love's design. God's precious gift, freely given, a ticket to our home in heaven. Jesus guides us, helps us see, our position before God, what we ought to be. The Law we keep, the standards we meet, are more than actions, not just a feat. Wealth and possessions, they may abound, but in Christ alone, true riches are found. The challenge is real, the cost is high, to follow Jesus, our wealth we deny. Difficulties and challenges, they may come, but with Jesus, the victory is won. For with God, all things are possible, His power and love, truly unstoppable.
Dear Lord Jesus, we acknowledge that eternal life is a precious gift from God, not something that can be earned through our deeds, but bestowed by Your grace. Help us to understand our position before God, to realize that our relationship to the Law goes beyond outward actions. We strive to keep the Law, to meet God's standards, but we know that it is not by our righteousness, but by Yours, that we are saved. We recognize the challenge of prioritizing wealth and material possessions over following You, help us to choose You above all else, to lay our treasures in heaven. Despite the difficulties and challenges we face, You reassure us that everything is possible with God. Strengthen our faith, Lord, and help us to rely on Your promises. May we always trust in Your unfailing love and infinite power. In Your Holy Name, we pray, Amen.
The transformative power of faith in Christ brings about a spiritual rebirth and instills a living certain hope. Hope in looking forward to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven which is as pure, perfect, and eternal as God Himself. Suffering for doing good is commendable before God. LWe may have to go through various trials but these trials test the genuineness of our faith, which is more precious than gold. It teaches us that trials and tribulations are not punishments, but rather opportunities for growth and strengthening of faith. Despite these trials, we can rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy. Joy that stems from the assurance of salvation, which is the ultimate outcome of our faith. By the power of God, we are being preserved through faith for the salvation that is ready to be revealed. Let us not fear threats or be troubled, but instead sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you 5 who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith, to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time. 6 In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, 7 so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, 9 as you attain the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:3-9)
In the heart where faith does dwell, a story of rebirth we tell. Through Christ's love, we are reborn, a living hope in us is sworn. Looking forward to a prize, imperishable in the skies. Pure and perfect, undefiled, promised to each faithful child. Doing good, though trials come, in God's eyes, we overcome. Not punishment, but gold refined, strength and growth in faith we find. More precious than the purest gold, is faith that's genuine and bold. Through trials and tribulations vast, our faith, firmly held and steadfast. In trials, a joy so grand, too glorious to understand. From salvation's assurance springs, a joy that makes the spirit sing. Preserved by God's almighty hand, for a salvation oh so grand. Ready to be revealed in time, the outcome of faith so divine. Fear not threats, nor be dismayed, in our hearts, Christ is portrayed. Sanctified as Lord above, in hearts transformed by His love.
Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the transformative power of faith in Christ, that brings about a spiritual rebirth and instills in us a living, certain hope. We look forward with joy to the inheritance that awaits us, imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven, as pure, perfect, and eternal as You, our God. We understand that suffering for doing good is commendable before You. We may have to go through various trials, but we know these trials test the genuineness of our faith, which is more precious than gold. Help us to see these trials not as punishments, but as opportunities for growth and strengthening of our faith. Despite these trials, fill our hearts with an indescribable and glorious joy, a joy that stems from the assurance of salvation, which is the ultimate outcome of our faith. By Your power, we are being preserved through faith, for the salvation that is ready to be revealed. Help us not to fear threats or be troubled, but instead to sanctify Christ as Lord in our hearts. Guide us, strengthen us, and uphold us in Your righteous right hand. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
The works of the Lord are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them. His work is honorable and glorious, and His righteousness endures forever. We should always praise the Lord with our whole heart, both privately and publicly, and acknowledge and appreciate His great works and His enduring righteousness. God’s provision are for those who revere Him. Reverence to God is the foundation of wisdom. Let us live a life of faith, reverence, and gratitude towards God.
1 I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart in the company and assembly of the just. 2 Great are the works of the Lord, exquisite in all their delights. 5 He has given food to those who fear him; he will forever be mindful of his covenant. 6 He has made known to his people the power of his works, giving them the inheritance of the nations. 9 He has sent deliverance to his people; he has ratified his covenant forever; holy and awesome is his name. 10 His praise endures forever. (Psalm 111:1-2, 5-6, 9, 10)
In awe, we study His grand design, the works of the Lord, truly divine. Great in measure, vast in span, a testament to the Almighty's plan. His work, honorable and bright, glorious in every believer's sight. His righteousness, a constant light, enduring, eternal, forever in flight. With whole hearts, His name we raise, in private whispers and public praise. Acknowledging His works so vast, appreciating a love that's meant to last. His provision for those who revere, His name, His word, so clear. reverence to God, wisdom's key, opens the door, sets our spirits free. So let us live with faith so grand, with reverence deep, on God's holy land. Gratitude in our hearts, forever we hold, for His love is more precious than gold.
Dear Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your great works, studied and admired by all who find pleasure in them. Your work is honorable and glorious, Your righteousness endures forever. We commit to praising You, Lord, with our whole heart, both privately and publicly. We acknowledge and appreciate Your great works, and Your enduring righteousness. We thank You for Your provision, bestowed upon those who revere You. We understand that reverence to You, Lord, is the foundation of wisdom. Help us to live a life of faith, filled with reverence and gratitude towards You. Guide us on this journey, Lord, as we strive to follow Your righteous path. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel
IV: The Full Revelation of the Mystery
THE RICH MAN
Mark 10:17-31
First Reading
II: The Gift and Call of God in Baptism
BLESSING
1 Peter 1:3-12
Psalm
Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150
PRAISE OF GOD FOR GOODNESS TO ISRAEL
Psalm 111:1-10
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
