Friends, on this twenty-eight Sunday of ordinary time year b, we celebrate Christ the Wisdom and Word of God. Even if we have nothing in this world, Christ is sufficient and all things for us. We are rich in him because he is alive and active in our hearts. The readings of today call us to seek wisdom, embrace God’s word, and detach from worldly possessions. These teachings guide us on the path of discipleship and lead us to a deeper relationship with God. May we open our hearts to these messages and grow in our faith and commitment to Jesus. Lord God, grant us wisdom to seek Your will above all else. Help us to embrace Your word and detach from worldly possessions. Guide us in our journey of faith, so we may follow You faithfully and reach eternal life.
Friends, the first reading of today is a reflection on Solomon’s choice. He was very wise; he preferred the wisdom of God to every other gift. All treasures, precious stones, gold, physical beauty, and even health are nothing compared to the wisdom of God. Such temporary and material possessions are like mud or sand. Brothers and sisters, is it true that to have wisdom we must give up all the beautiful things of life? Our first reading today personalizes Wisdom. She is the most precious of all pearls. She is God himself. All good things come from and must return to Him. Nothing can be compared with Her. Nothing has value without Her. Whoever possesses her has everything. All created things only partake in the beauty and splendor of God. Hence, we must seek wisdom more than material wealth. This is because, to possess her, is to possess the most precious of all wealth. Hence, Saint Augustine reminds us that “our heart must not rest until it is united with this precious Wisdom.”
Friends, just like Solomon pray for wisdom, asking for it above all other things. Today we are invited to seek wisdom because wisdom is more valuable than power, wealth, and even health. Brothers and sisters, true wisdom comes from God and is more precious than anything we can possess. Solomon’s choice shows that seeking God’s wisdom should be our priority. Worldly riches and honors are temporary and can lead us away from God. But wisdom helps us live according to God’s will and leads us to eternal life. As we reflect on Solomon’s prayer, let us ask God to grant us wisdom. Let us value it above all else and use it to guide our decisions and actions. Wisdom will help us to live faithfully and grow closer to God.
Friends, the second reading of today tells us that the word of God has five characteristics. In the first place, it is alive and powerful. Once it leaves the mouth of the Lord it produces its effect because it has the life and power of God. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. This reminds us of the power of God’s word in our lives. God’s word is not just written text; it is active and speaks to us personally. It reveals our innermost thoughts and guides us on the right path. We must read and reflect on the Scriptures, allowing them to shape our hearts and minds. Brothers and sisters, by embracing God’s word, we let it guide our lives. It helps us discern right from wrong and keeps us on the path of righteousness. Let us commit to regular reading of the Bible, so we can grow in our understanding and love for God’s word. Friends, the word of God conquers and transforms every heart that humbly receives it. So, as the fullness of wisdom, God’s Word “incarnated the scriptures”, is powerful. It brings our real thoughts and intents to light and also dispels all forms of darkness. Hence, when God prints his word in our hearts through the power of his spirit, it powerfully convinces, converts, transforms, and comforts us. God’s Word humbles a proud heart. It makes a perverse spirit to be meek and humble. It increases virtue in a humble heart.
Friends, the rich man in today’s gospel came to justify himself and to parade his religious piety. Indeed, Jesus appreciated his effort. However, Christ knew that something was lacking in him. Christ diagnosed him with only one problem, “attachment to his wealth.” This was his “weak spot.” According to his testimony, it seemed to him that he had done “all things well.” Unfortunately, his weak spot was an untouchable area. He walked away sad without dropping it before Christ. He did all things well but lacked the wisdom to understand that the key to eternal life was detachment from this world. There are important lessons to learn from today’s readings. Brothers and sisters, we might have a weak spot unknown to us. Only the wisdom of God can help us illuminate this. Friends, at times, it seems to us that we have done “all things well.” Unfortunately, pride and love of this world make it difficult for us to see the true reality of our lives.
Friends, we must not allow material wealth to become an obstacle between us and eternal life. Today, Christ teaches us that attachment to wealth is the easiest way to forsake God. This is because, attachment to wealth and this world, over burdens and alienates one’s soul. It makes our spiritual journey very heavy, difficult, and almost impossible. Brothers and sisters, remember the young man is saddened because he has many possessions. Jesus’ words show us that clinging to wealth can hinder our relationship with God. True discipleship requires letting go of material attachments and trusting fully in Jesus. Jesus assures His disciples that while it is hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God, nothing is impossible with God. This gives us hope. If we trust in God and seek His help, we can overcome the obstacles that keep us from following Jesus fully.
Friends, to be truly wise in our dealings with the wealth of this world, we must seek the wisdom and understanding that comes from God. With the psalmist, let us humbly say to God, the true wisdom; “Fill us with your love, that we may rejoice.” The Lord be with you …. May the almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Have a Blessed Sunday and a Fruitful New Week to You
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By: Fr. Ben Chola mccj
Aka Omuntu Wa Bantu