28th Sunday of the Year (B)

(Edited) Sunday reflections (from) liturgical years 2014 (A), 2015 (B), and 2016 (C)

October 11, 2015
Liturgical readings
Wisdom 7:7-11
Psalm 90
Hebrews 4:12-13
Mark 10:17-30

"With God all things are possible."

A rich man asked the Lord what he must do to share in everlasting life. Jesus answered him: "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.'" (all commandments taken from the Decalogue handed to the Israelite people through the prophet Moses). The man then said: "Teacher, I have observed all these since my childhood." And then Jesus replied: "There is one thing more you must do ... sell what you have, give to the poor ... after that, come and follow me."

This gospel passage can serve as a tool for any important decision in life - most especially in a discernment process. It can bring light and understanding for anyone seeking to do God's will in his Christian life. St. Francis de Sales, a bishop and doctor of the Church, writes that there are four options in life that need more discernment. The first and most important of these four, is choosing one's vocation in life. The rich man in the gospel was given that option. He can follow Jesus where Jesus is, (and headed), or he can obey God's commandments where he already is. Where Jesus is and headed, is perfect charity; and where the man is, is the opportunity to sanctify better the realities wherein he stewards his material resources responsibly and charitably.

The man in the gospel was invited by Christ to a life of perfect charity - (not the basic charity of giving to the collection bag at the Eucharist, or to someone knocking at your gate), but one that involved one's whole being. However, as St. Francis de Sales counsels, charity can be practiced in all walks of life. As soldiers, craftsmen, statesmen, and servants; the widowed, married, and single. (This he counsels in his book, Introduction to the Devout Life.) This charity begins in the heart. When God becomes the center of one's heart, then God and His love dwells in him. He awakens all and calls each one personally. The quality of one's response to God's call produces a practice of charity to the best of one's strengths, abilities and talents. Humbly acknowledging that all good comes from God, all are led to live committed to Christ in both work and life.