Key:
What these passages tell us about God
What these passages tell us to do
What these passages tell us to avoid
Commentary
Reading 1 1 PT 1:3-9
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hopethrough the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you who by the power of God are safeguarded through faith, to a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the final time.
In this you rejoice, although now for a little while you may have to suffer through various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, more precious than gold that is perishable even though tested by fire, may prove to be for praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Although you have not seen him you love him; even though you do not see him now yet you believe in him, you rejoice with an indescribable and glorious joy, as you attain the goal of faith, the salvation of your souls.
Responsorial Psalm PS 111:1-2, 5-6, 9 AND 10C
R. (5) The Lord will remember his covenant forever.
I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart in the company and assembly of the just. Great are the works of the LORD, exquisite in all their delights.
R. The Lord will remember his covenant forever.
He has given food to those who fear him; he will forever be mindful of his covenant.He has made known to his peoplethe power of his works, giving them the inheritance of the nations.
R. The Lord will remember his covenant forever.
He has sent deliverance to his people; he has ratified his covenant forever; holy and awesome is his name. His praise endures forever.
R. The Lord will remember his covenant forever.
I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart in the company and assembly of the just. Great are the works of the LORD, exquisite in all their delights.
R. The Lord will remember his covenant forever.
He has given food to those who fear him; he will forever be mindful of his covenant.He has made known to his peoplethe power of his works, giving them the inheritance of the nations.
R. The Lord will remember his covenant forever.
He has sent deliverance to his people; he has ratified his covenant forever; holy and awesome is his name. His praise endures forever.
R. The Lord will remember his covenant forever.
Alleluia 2 COR 8:9
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel MK 10:17-27
As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 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."
He replied and said to him, "Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth."
Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, "You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." At that statement, his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, "How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God!" The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, "Children, how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God." They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, "Then who can be saved?" Jesus looked at them and said, "For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God."
1. We can trust God when He asks us to do or bear hard things (first reading, psalm). That is attested to by a guy who experienced that dynamic: Peter. It is also demonstrated by Jesus’ own life; He does not ask us to do anything harder than He has already done for us (alleluia verse).
2. That does not mean that those things are easy, but it does mean that they are doable—with God’s help (gospel).
3. What are some of those helps? Today’s readings identify several:
A. Don’t think you have to do it on your own; Jesus tells us in the gospel that we cannot.
B. Know that the hard times will pass eventually (first reading). 1 Corinthians 10:13 (also written by a guy who went through his share of tough stuff) tells us that God will not subject us to more than we can bear. Similar instruction is given in Sirach 2. See also Psalm 103:13-14.
C. Trust that God will get you through the hardship; that he will not abandon you (first reading, psalm). 1 Corinthians 10:13 and Sirach 2 also speak to this dynamic.
D. Savor and thank God for the good things He has given you and the help He gives you in the midst of the difficulties (first reading, psalm).
E. Look to Christian community for support; that is the “company and assembly of the just” referred to in the psalm.
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