Choosing Eternal life
Wisdom 7:7-11; Psalm 90; Hebrews 4:12-13; Mark 10:17-30
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the fundamental theme of choice. As Christians, we are constantly faced with decisions, some straightforward and others profoundly challenging. The most crucial choice we can make is to prioritize God above all else. Failure to make this choice can prevent us from entering the Kingdom of God. Other themes today would include:
Evaluation of values: In the first reading, Solomon astutely compares gold, silver, and other precious objects to wisdom, concluding that wisdom surpasses material wealth. This prompts us to examine our own values: What is our most treasured possession, Gold or God? Wisdom is better than gold! How do we evaluate our values? In philosophy; we have Moral or ethical Judgment, aesthetic, economic, prudential or practical, cultural or social, spiritual, initial judgment and genuine judgment etc.
Wisdom over wealth: The Gospel narrative presents a wealthy individual who, despite his riches, lacks wisdom. Jesus identifies this deficiency, emphasizing that true wealth lies in wisdom, which enables sound judgment. Without wisdom, one remains impoverished, regardless of material possessions. Through wisdom, a man can possess riches, but that same wisdom is what makes riches not possess a man. Proverbs 3:13-16 – “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.” Ecclesiastes 7:12 – “Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it.” 1 Timothy 6:17 – “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” Matthew 6:19-21 – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.”
Seeking eternal life: The unnamed man in the Gospel seeks eternal life, inquiring, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” This question reveals his inner longing. Do we similarly ponder life beyond our earthly existence? Do our leaders consider eternity? When we are confused, who do we turn to? Who guides our choices? (Matthew 6:33,
The challenge of detachment: To make informed choices, we must turn to the Good Teacher. Unfortunately, our focus often settles on material concerns, even in our spiritual pursuits. Jesus’ words to the man – “To inherit eternal life, disinherit material goods” – resonate with us today. We must relinquish our attachment to earthly possessions, positions, and power to follow Jesus.
Trust in God’s possibilities: The disciples questioned the feasibility of this demand, and Jesus reassured them, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.” Our God is a God of limitless possibilities. Hebrews 4:12-13 reminds us that God’s word is living and active. The promise “With God all things are possible” remains a potent reality for believers.
Prayer:
May we embrace the challenge of choosing eternity, trusting in God’s boundless possibilities. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
