Mark 10:17-27
17 And when he was gone forth into the way, a certain man running up and kneeling before him, asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may receive life everlasting? 18 And Jesus said to him, Why callest thou me good? None is good but one, that is God. 19 Thou knowest the commandments: Do not commit adultery, do not kill, do not steal, bear not false witness, do no fraud, honour thy father and mother. 20 But he answering, said to him: Master, all these things I have observed from my youth.
21 And Jesus looking on him, loved him, and said to him: One thing is wanting unto thee: go, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me. 22 Who being struck sad at that saying, went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. 23 And Jesus looking round about, saith to his disciples: How hardly shall they that have riches, enter into the kingdom of God! 24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus again answering, saith to them: Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches, to enter into the kingdom of God? 25 It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
26 Who wondered the more, saying among themselves: Who then can be saved? 27 And Jesus looking on them, saith: With men it is impossible; but not with God: for all things are possible with God.
Today, we are reminded once more that God does not value wealth, status and power. For mankind, this is the primary concern. Indeed, in Jesus’ time, the wealthy were believed to be especially good men who were blessed by God due to their virtue. Of course, this is sometimes the case. But, all too often, the opposite is true. To the ancient Jews, Greeks, Romans, etc., the poor were cursed. They were suffering due either to their own sins or those of their ancestors… pagans believed that they had offended a god but Jews believe similarly that they were being punished by God.
I am sure that very few of those who heard Jesus say, “Blessed are the poor…” could even begin to fathom His meaning. Were not the poor, the hungry, the weak sick and disabled, the outcast, the troubled, the sad, the prisoner, the slave, etc., suffering due to a just punishment by a righteous God? Surely, they or their ancestors brought this punishment upon them. Yet, our Lord goes further and says that those who follow Him, especially the most righteous Christians will suffer all this and much worse! He literally told them that if they committed their lives and souls to Christ, they would be hated by friends and family, persecuted, poor, hungry, sick and even killed. The better the Christian, the more he would suffer.
Meanwhile, those whose lives were easy, who had abundant blessings, would have the hardest time working out their salvation. Is this the message we are taught today in our churches? Every aspect of this teaching of our Lord is in absolute opposition to human nature and our beliefs about reality. Yes, sometimes God does bless a man with wealth, but He does so that the man can provide jobs and charity for the poor. Human nature is to horde wealth and care only for oneself and one’s family. Therefore, it is much harder for one who has much to give it away in service of God than for one who has little to simply have faith in God. To one whom much is given, much will be expected. One may use his wealth to enjoy this life, but if that is all he does…. How much he will lose!
**** 2nd Annual Lenten Book Giveaway! ***
As a means of giving alms for Lent, I would like to offer my listeners and readers one free eBook. Simply email me at judson@judsoncarroll.com and tell me which one you would like. I will send it to you as a .pdf. The entire list of 15 books can be viewed here:
https://southernappalachianherbs.blogspot.com/
and
Please feel free to share this offer with friends and family. I would like to give away a lot of books! The offer will end on Thursday April 17.
May God bless each of you,
Judson Carroll
Judson Carroll is the author of several books, including his newest, A Daily Catholic Devotional, Reflections on the Daily Mass Readings January-June, 2025 It is Available in paperback on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DK3M1WDZ
and
Confirmation, an Autobiography of Faith. It is also Available in paperback on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C47Q1JNK
His new podcast is The Uncensored Catholic https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-uncensored-catholic
Amen, well said and so true!!! I am trying to be more generous!!!!