Father&#039;s Weekend Reflection (28th Sunday in Ordinary Time)

October 7, 2021

                      28TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR B
READINGS : Wisdom 7: 7-11. Heb. 4: 12-13. Mark 10: 17-30.
Reflection: The most important Question in life
        When I was working with the bishop in Nigeria , I was asked by him to go and preside over a burial mass of a politician, which would be followed by a committal at the grave. It was one of the biggest funerals I have seen. I did not know the deceased very much. But it was shocking that at the graveside; a mad man came from “nowhere” and started shouting at people, “You should make the grave wider to accommodate all his belongings (Wealth’s)”. He started mentioning everything the deceased man had. Many people called it one of those words of the insane man. But there was meaning from his saying. Up till now, I still wonder why the grave of everybody is the same size (six feet by four). I still wonder why both the rich and poor die, why money can not buy everlasting life on earth.
        In the gospel message of today, a young rich man (aristocrat) with a solid religious background identifies the most important need of every soul, namely; eternal life in heaven, a life that is not subject to wear and tear, change, and expiration. The young aristocrat did not stop at identifying this most important need; he also posed the most important question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” The book of Wisdom described this type of need as the “most precious value”. But due to human insatiability, love of material things, and thirst for wealth, the young aristocrat said “No” to “WISDOM”. He assessed what he possessed; he understood what he wanted but lacked where to find it. He had many things but lacked something important.
        Now only Wisdom, the perfect designer of all things and infallible instructor of men could guide him on where and how to acquire the most precious pearl, which is worth more than scepter and throne. Thus the rich young man sought the right teacher for the right question. Therefore, to have Jesus is more than material wealth. He met Jesus but failed to accept him. He failed to fill his spiritual emptiness with Wisdom (Jesus).
          Finally, the great wealth of the rich young man represents those things, possessions, lifestyles, ambitions, etc, which the Lord declares contraband and unfit to be placed between him and his beloved disciples. The great wealth of the young aristocrat is an impediment. And unless all of these are not sold for the help/service of the poor, the kingdom of God would not be granted. Jesus loves you, and so do I.
Rev. Marcel Okonkwo

St. Jude Parish

ALAMOGORDO, NM

Father's Weekend Reflection (28th Sunday in Ordinary Time)