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Eleanor Doidge, LoB Assoc. Professor, Intercultural
Studies and Ministry, Retired
Readings:
Wis 7:7-11
Ps 90:12-13, 14-15, 16-17
Heb 4:12-13
Mk 10:17-30 or 10:17-27
“All things are
possible for God”
The
gospel we read for this 28th Sunday offers both challenge
and promise. The story of the man’s interaction with Jesus evokes
many different thoughts and questions. Let’s put ourselves into
the story. A man approaches Jesus as he journeys with his disciples.
He asks Jesus what he has to do to inherit eternal life. Perhaps you
too ask that question in your thoughts, your prayers. Jesus replies
“No one is good except God.” Jesus then gives instructions familiar
to us from the Ten Commandments. Like the man, most would respond, “I have
followed all these since my youth. I have not murdered, stolen, or
committed adultery. I have honored my father and mother.” The
challenge follows when Jesus, looking at the man with love, tells him to go
and sell his possessions and give to the poor, followed by the promise that
he will have treasures in heaven. “Come. follow me.” A
challenge and promise that the man found too difficult. The story
tells us that he walked away.
As we ask ourselves
how we might have responded were we the protagonist in this encounter with
Jesus what thoughts arise? Is it wrong to have possessions,
wealth? Do I have to give all to the poor? What does it mean to
follow Jesus? What about the common belief based on the scriptures
that wealth is a reward for following God’s will? This teaching
remains true in our culture, in many cultures, that God will pour down
riches on those who follow him. Do I sometimes look down on people
who are poor, struggling, and judge them for not being “good,” perhaps
unworthy of God’s goodness? What is the relationship between material
well-being and discipleship? Perhaps you have other questions as you
reflect on the encounter of the man with Jesus. What is the message
for you?
My years of ministry
and accompanying others have shown that many people have questions similar
to these as they attempt to live the Gospel message. Listening deeply
to their searching questions, and to our own, we might realize the man’s
dilemma. He desired to know the Lord and to serve Him and became
confused about Jesus’ request.
Our first reading
from Solomon provides some guidance in his prayer for wisdom. Solomon
sought wisdom above all else. Wisdom had no equal, all else was as sand and
clay. We read the promise that acquiring wisdom leads to
friendship with God. “All good things came to me with her (wisdom)
and wealth past counting in her hands.” Wisdom, friendship with God,
for Solomon is the way to a good life. This theme is repeated in the words
of Psalm 90. We are encouraged to pray for wisdom of heart so that we
might be filled with the love of the Lord.
Jesus looked on the
man with love. He recognized his potential to be a disciple and
offered him the challenge together with the promise. The man did not
accept either. However, the teaching of Mark 10 does not end with the
man’s interaction with Jesus. Rather, the dialogue continues with
Jesus telling the disciples that it is very difficult to enter the kingdom
of God. “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle
than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” The image of a
camel and eye of a needle cannot be missed. It says “impossible.”
Again, it is
important to keep reading: Jesus looked at them intently and said, “For
human beings it is impossible but not for God, for all things are possible
for God.” We receive here the real challenge, a bigger one than
surrendering our possessions. This challenge and promise asks us to
believe, to have faith in God’s goodness and Mercy. Wisdom, friendship with
God and faith are the response needed by the man, and by us.
Eleanor Doidge, LoB
Assoc. Professor, Intercultural Studies and Ministry, Retired
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