28th Sunday in the Church Year – October 13, 2024 – Mark 10: 17-30 – Reflection by Fr. Chris Heller
As a deacon preparing to be a priest, I went to visit a 72-year-old widower named Vincent a few times. In our first few visits, I introduced myself as Chris & Deacon Chris; Vincent kept calling me “Father,” so I just left it alone!
In 1 Advent discussion, we used St. Paul’s letter to Colossians, where St. Paul says: “always be grateful.” So, we shared our experiences of gratitude. Now, Vincent had some struggles: he was lame in 1 leg & blind in 1eye. He lived just on Social Security with no other pension. But nothing would stop Vincent from listing all the reasons he was grateful: his friends, his long life, his family’s newest great-nephew, God giving him a new day every day, & the energy to get out of bed in the morning. Vincent taught me so much about having a free & open heart, & a joyful positive spirit.
I contrast Vincent with the rich young man in today’s Gospel. It seems clear to me that while the young man owned many things, the THINGS really owned him, which was why he walked away from Jesus’ invitation to free himself from his material wealth, and then walk with Jesus. To be clear, we ALL need SOME money & things for the normal activities of daily life. Over retreat last week, it occurred to me that EVERYBODY needs a break once in a while. & Jesus found a temporary regular oasis away from his preaching ministry by going to Martha, Mary & Lazarus’ house out in Bethany. If Martha, Mary & Lazarus had NO resources, they wouldn’t have been able to offer Jesus the life-giving hospitality that Jesus needed. Let me be clear: yes, even the Son of God & Mary needed a relaxation break once in a while! & if you & I had no material resources, how could we support our beloved parish’s many good ministries?
At the same time, Jesus in his wisdom gives us a “heads-up” about HOW the THINGS of this world can take over our lives, unless we manage them wisely & in a detached way. An example: a man owned & treasured a car. The car was side-swiped by a sanitation truck, & it took 4 weeks to get the car fixed. In our neighborhood, we heard it about every day, in a voice that could raise the dead! It’s clear the CAR owned the MAN, & not the other way around. Contrast that with some of our friends in Florida, who’ve lost their homes, property & possessions, & yet spoke on camera this week about being grateful for getting away with their lives & some clothing.
1 practical suggestion Jesus makes is that since all earthly things have a shelf life and will end eventually, why not divest ourselves of some of those things in the name of charities that can help other people. In fact, we never know HOW & HOW WELL we might be able to live in the ABSENCE of some of those material goods. & 1 way Jesus helps us to maintain a life balance is by feeding us with His Word, & His Body & Blood: He reminds us “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have called you, and you are mine.” So, let us allow Jesus to help us live the heavenly love of God & others right now! In fact, the rich young man missed a chance to travel a new road with Jesus, a road that could have changed his life & heart forever. So, let’s be as attentive as we can to the opportunities for growth that Jesus will be offering EACH of us. Amen.
