Material wealth is to serve others

Wis 7:7-11; Psalm: 89; Heb 4:12-13; Mk 10:17-30

In today’s Gospel, a young, wealthy man approaches Jesus, seeking guidance on how to inherit eternal life. This man’s material wealth is apparent, as Jesus instructs him to sell all his possessions and give the proceeds to the poor. This passage highlights that material wealth should be used to serve others, rather than hoarded for personal gain.

The young man’s initial inquiry to Jesus about inheriting eternal life suggests that he values spiritual growth and salvation. However, Jesus quickly identifies the man’s attachment to material possessions as a barrier to his spiritual growth. By instructing him to sell his possessions and give to the poor, Jesus is teaching us that material wealth should be used to serve others and help those in need.

This passage challenges the notion that wealth equals success and happiness. The young man’s attachment to his possessions reveals a deeper issue of greed and selfishness. Jesus’ guidance to sell his possessions and give to the poor serves as a reminder that material wealth is fleeting and ultimately insignificant in the grand scheme of eternity.

Material wealth can be a blessing if used wisely to benefit others. In today’s Gospel, Jesus promises that those who give up material possessions for the sake of the kingdom of God will receive a hundredfold in this present age and eternal life in the age to come. This demonstrates that the true value of material wealth lies in its ability to serve others and bring about positive change in the world.

Saint Francis of Assisi, known for his renunciation of wealth and embrace of poverty, offers insight into the lesson of this passage. He once said, “Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take nothing that you have received, only what you have given: a full heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage.” This quote echoes Jesus’ call for the young man to let go of his possessions and instead focus on following him wholeheartedly. It reminds us that true wealth lies in our relationships with others and in our dedication to serving God.

Furthermore, the act of giving to the poor is an expression of love and compassion towards those less fortunate. By using his material wealth to help others, the young man would not only be fulfilling Jesus’ commandment but also demonstrate his commitment to living a life of service and sacrifice. This shows that material wealth has the potential to be a powerful tool for good when used to benefit others.

In today’s society, the pursuit of material wealth often takes precedence over serving others. The culture of consumerism and materialism promotes a selfish mentality that values possessions and status over compassion and generosity. However, the teachings of Jesus in the current Gospel serve as a reminder of the significance of utilizing our material wealth to benefit others and make a positive impact in the world.

Ultimately, the passage in today’s Gospel challenges us to reevaluate our relationship with material wealth and consider how we can use it to serve others and make a difference in the world. By following Jesus’ example of selflessness and generosity, we can actively create a more compassionate and just society where we value material wealth not for personal gain, but for the benefit of others.