Fresh Dew Media

 28^th SUNDAY, YEAR B: HOMILY BY FR. JUSTIN ADIELE

THEME: “HOW HARD AND EASY FOR THE RICH TO ENTER INTO HEAVEN”

INTRODUCTION

Horace Mann once said to his first graduating class at Antioch in the late 1850s, “Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity.” My dear friends in Christ, there are no greater ways to win victory for humanity more than through the gospel message; then through the wealth and riches of this world. Both tools can be used to bring/win physical and spiritual liberation/salvation for humanity. Jesus united the two today as means of inheriting eternal life. Sadly, not many possess the wisdom/art to utilize wealth/riches to win heaven for themselves.

 

THE FIRST READING (WIS. 7: 7 – 11)

In the first reading, we are meant to understand that one really needs the wisdom and understanding from above to live this life to a salvific end. And we must desire and seek this wisdom above everything else. Sceptres, thrones, gold, silver, health, beauty and wealth, all need the guidance of wisdom from God to lead man to a glorious eternity. And without this wisdom and direction from God every other thing no matter how precious they are, may not come out good for man. Without God’s wisdom, sceptres and thrones have been abused to the damnation of many kings and princes; gold and silver have been exchanged for human life; beauty, health, power and earthly riches have been used for devilish and oppressive ends, and to the mortgage of many human souls. Wisdom is profitable to direct the use every other treasure for man’s ultimate good.

 

THE SECOND READING (HEB. 4: 12 – 13)

In the second reading, the author extoled the Word of God as living and active; but then, is it really alive and active in the hearts of all men/women, or just some? Is the Word living and active in the rich and poor alike? This Word of God also stands as/for the wisdom of God that helps us to discern the thoughts and intentions of our hearts; to discern what we do with our sceptres, thrones, gold, silver, wealth/riches, etc., especially for the good of humanity.

 

THE GOSPEL READING (MK. 10: 17 – 30)

In the gospel reading, a wealthy young man came to Jesus to inquire what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus handed him the ten Words or Commandments of God as a guide. Thanks to the young man who initially showed determination to do more than the Ten Commandments, but failed at last. Thanks to him as well that today, we now know that eternal life requires more than just literarily keeping the Ten Commandments. You must win something for humanity (especially the poor and less privileged) with your riches, your powers, your position etc. We must learn how to serve God and humanity in true charity.

 

CONCLUSION:

Jesus said today; “How hard it will be for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” But in actual sense it could be rather easier for the rich/influential to make heaven, if only they would learn how to detach from their riches; and how to use their riches to help/build humanity rather than using their riches/influence to sponsor crimes, wars, terrorism, corruption, and to sponsor human, racial, political, religious or moral apartheid.

 

Happy Sunday!

Fr. Justin