Hard for those who have Wealth

Eternal life, a gift so divine,

Not earned by deeds, but by love's design.

God's precious gift, freely given,

A ticket to our home in heaven.

Jesus guides us, helps us see,

Our position before God, what we ought to be.

The Law we keep, the standards we meet,

Are more than actions, not just a feat.

Wealth and possessions, they may abound,

But in Christ alone, true riches are found.

The challenge is real, the cost is high,

To follow Jesus, our wealth we deny.

Difficulties and challenges, they may come,

But with Jesus, the victory is won.

For with God, all things are possible,

His power and love, truly unstoppable.

REFLECTION:

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God!” (Mark 10:23)

Eternal life is a gift from God, not something that can be earned through good deeds. Jesus helps us to consider our position before God. Our relationship to the Law is more focused on outward actions, keeping the Law and meeting the standard of God from our perspective. This is significant because it illustrates the challenge of prioritizing wealth and material possessions over following Jesus. Despite the difficulties and challenges, Jesus reassures us that everything is possible with God.

Dear Lord Jesus,

We acknowledge that eternal life is a precious gift from God, not something that can be earned through our deeds, but bestowed by Your grace.

Help us to understand our position before God, to realize that our relationship to the Law goes beyond outward actions.

We strive to keep the Law, to meet God's standards, but we know that it is not by our righteousness, but by Yours, that we are saved. We recognize the challenge of prioritizing wealth and material possessions over following You, Help us to choose You above all else, to lay our treasures in heaven.

Despite the difficulties and challenges we face, You reassure us that everything is possible with God. Strengthen our faith, Lord, and help us to rely on Your promises. May we always trust in Your unfailing love and infinite power.

In Your Holy Name, we pray,

Amen.

Pericope:

IV: The Full Revelation of the Mystery

THE RICH MAN

Mark 10:17-31

Gospel | Mark 10:17-27

Gospel Acclamation

Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich. 

17 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?” 18 Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. 19 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.” 20 He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” 21 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.” 22 At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions. 23 Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the Kingdom of God!” 24 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! 25 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.” 26 They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” 27 Jesus looked at them and said, “For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God. 

Background:

Mark 10:17-27, often referred to as the story of the Rich Young Ruler, is a passage that takes place as Jesus was setting out on a journey. A man runs up to Him, kneels before Him, and asks Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do so that I may inherit eternal life?". This event occurs after Jesus and the disciples have left Capernaum (Mark 9:33) and traveled to the area on the other side of the Jordan River from Judea (Mark 10:1). This is Perea, which, along with Galilee, is ruled by Herod Antipas.

The man who approaches Jesus is described as having great wealth. Jesus’ response to the man’s question is to remind him of the commandments. When the man asserts that he has kept all these commandments from his youth, Jesus, looking at him with love, tells him that he lacks one thing: he must sell all he possesses, give to the poor, and then he will have treasure in heaven. Then he should come and follow Jesus.

However, the man is saddened by this instruction and leaves grieving, for he owned much property. Jesus then remarks to His disciples about the difficulty for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God.

This passage is significant because it illustrates the challenge of prioritizing wealth and material possessions over following Jesus. It also emphasizes the concept of eternal life as a gift from God, not something that can be earned through good deeds.

Learning Lessons:

Mark 10:17-27, the story of the Rich Young Ruler, offers several profound lessons for believers:

The Importance of the Right Question: The rich young ruler asks Jesus about eternal life. This is a question that is asked in many different ways: How can we be saved? How can we enter the Kingdom of God? How can we have everlasting life? It’s the most important question that anyone can ever ask.

Understanding Our Position Before God: Jesus helps the man to consider his position before a Holy God. The man’s relationship to the Law was focused on outward actions. He had kept the Law and met the standard of God from his perspective.

The Call and Cost of Discipleship: Jesus calls the man to follow Him, but there was one thing keeping him from truly following - his riches. This teaches us about the challenge of prioritizing wealth and material possessions over following Jesus.

The Love of Jesus for Sinful Men: Despite the man’s self-reliance and sinfulness, Jesus loved him. This is good news: Jesus loves sinners.

The Difficulty of Wealth: Jesus remarks about the difficulty for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God. This emphasizes the concept of eternal life as a gift from God, not something that can be earned through good deeds.

Everything is Possible with God: Despite the difficulties and challenges, Jesus reassures His disciples that everything is possible with God.

These lessons remind us of the importance of asking the right questions, understanding our position before God, the cost of discipleship, the love of Jesus for sinners, the difficulty of wealth, and the omnipotence of God. They encourage us to live a life of faith, reverence, and gratitude towards God. (Conversation with Copilot)

Wealth is Fleeting

In God's hands, our lives do rest,

Aligning with His will is always best.

Wealth is fleeting, can't buy redemption,

A truth we learn with deep reflection.

Envy not others for what they own,

Focus on spiritual values, let them be known.

Material wealth is not the goal,

But a loving heart, a kind soul.

All people, rich or poor, share the same fate,

A humbling thought, to contemplate.

Trust not in possessions, they cannot save,

Their worth is not the measure of the brave.

Treat all with respect, with dignity,

For in God's eyes, we are all free.

Seek wisdom about life, death, wealth, and need,

Understanding these, is to succeed.

Value time, live wisely, let love increase,

In thoughtful ways, find your peace.

Life is a journey, a meaningful quest,

In God's hands, we are blessed.

Reflection :

They trust in their wealth; the abundance of their riches is their boast. Yet in no way can a man redeem himself or pay his own ransom to God. (Psalm 49:7-8)

Our lives are in God’s hands and that we should align our plans with His will. Wealth is fleeting and cannot buy redemption or eternal life. All people, regardless of their wealth or status, face the same fate. We should not put our trust in material possessions, as they are temporary and cannot save us and we should treat all people with equal respect and dignity. It is always important in seeking wisdom about the nature of life and death, wealth and poverty and understanding them in our lives. We should not envy others for their material possessions but instead focus on spiritual values over material wealth. Let us value our own time and live wisely in more thoughtful and meaningful ways.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We acknowledge that our lives are in Your hands, and we seek to align our plans with Your divine will. We understand that wealth is fleeting, and it cannot buy redemption or eternal life. We recognize that all people, regardless of wealth or status, face the same fate in Your eyes. Help us not to put our trust in material possessions, for they are temporary and cannot save us.

Grant us the wisdom to treat all people with equal respect and dignity, and to seek understanding about the nature of life and death, wealth and poverty. Help us not to envy others for their material possessions, but to focus on spiritual values over material wealth. Teach us to value our time and to live wisely, to make the most of each day in thoughtful and meaningful ways. May we always remember that our true treasure is in heaven, and that our time on earth is but a brief moment in eternity.

In Your holy name, we pray,

Amen.

Pericope:

Second Book of Psalms 42-72

CONFIDENCE IN GOD RATHER THAN IN RICHES

Psalm 49:1-21

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 49:2-3, 6-7, 8-10, 11

R: Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs! 

2 Hear this, all you peoples; hearken, all who dwell in the world, 3 of lowly birth or high degree, rich and poor alike. (R) 6 Why should I fear in evil days when my wicked ensnarers ring me round? 7 They trust in their wealth; the abundance of their riches is their boast. (R) 8 Yet in no way can a man redeem himself or pay his own ransom to God; 9 Too high is the price to redeem one’s life; he would never have enough 10 to remain alive always and not see destruction. (R) 11 For he can see that wise men die, and likewise the senseless and the stupid pass away, leaving to others their wealth. (R) 

Background:

Psalm 49 is a wisdom psalm, written to impart understanding and guide those who are troubled about the wealth of the wicked. It’s part of the songs in Book Two of the Psalter, attributed to the sons of Korah, who were Levites from the family of Kohath. By David’s time, they served in the musical aspect of the temple worship.

The verses you mentioned (Psalm 49:2-3, 6-7, 8-10, 11) focus on the limits of material wealth. The psalmist speaks to everyone, especially including rich and poor together. He discusses the folly of trusting in wealth or envying others just for their wealth. It sets the present prosperity of those who don’t know God in an eternal perspective.

The psalmist emphasizes that no one can redeem another’s life or give to God a ransom for them. The redemption of their souls is costly, and it shall cease forever. Even the wise die, and they must leave their wealth to others. Their graves are their homes forever, their dwelling places to all generations.

This psalm touches the high-water mark of Old Testament faith in a future life. It’s a reminder of the fleeting nature of human life and the importance of living wisely. It teaches that wealth cannot buy redemption or eternal life. It’s a powerful message about the limitations of earthly wealth and the importance of spiritual values.

Learning Lessons:

Psalm 49:2-3, 6-7, 8-10, 11 offers several important life lessons:

The Limitations of Wealth: The psalmist emphasizes that wealth cannot buy redemption or eternal life. This teaches us not to put our trust in material possessions, as they are temporary and cannot save us.

The Equality of All People: The psalmist addresses both the lowly and the rich, reminding us that all people, regardless of their wealth or status, face the same fate. This encourages us to treat all people with equal respect and dignity.

The Importance of Wisdom: The psalmist imparts wisdom about the nature of life and death, wealth and poverty. This underscores the value of seeking wisdom and understanding in our lives.

The Folly of Envy: Seeing the prosperity of the wicked might make us envious, but the psalmist reminds us that their wealth is fleeting. This teaches us not to envy others for their material possessions.

The Transience of Life: The psalmist uses the metaphor of people dwelling in their graves forever to illustrate the fleeting nature of life. This serves as a reminder to value our time and live wisely.

The Sovereignty of God: The psalmist acknowledges that our lives are in God’s hands and that we should align our plans with His will. This encourages us to seek God’s guidance in all we do.

These lessons from Psalm 49 can guide us in our decision-making and help us live more thoughtful and meaningful lives. They remind us of the importance of spiritual values over material wealth. (Copilot)

Prisoner to Prosperity

God gives a home to the forsaken; 

He leads forth prisoners to prosperity. 

(Psalm 69:7)

God is faithful in His commitment to His people. He is more powerful than any force on earth. He is sovereign and has ultimate control over all things. He has the power and ability to deliver those who trust in Him from their enemies. His love, compassion, concern, and care is upon the poor, the marginalized, and those in need. Salvation is available through faith in God. Joy and gladness are found in the presence of God. Let us trust in the Lord, rejoice in His presence, and live in the light of His love and grace. Our fellowship with God is through the Holy Spirit.

In the realm where the divine and mortal meet,

God's faithfulness to His people is a drum's steady beat.

More powerful than any earthly force,

His sovereignty charts the universe's course.

With power and ability, He does defend,

Delivering those who on Him depend.

His love and compassion, like a river, flow,

Upon the poor, the marginalized, the ones we know.

Salvation, a gift, through faith, we receive,

In God's promises, we choose to believe.

Joy and gladness in His presence found,

His love and grace, in our hearts, abound.

Trust in the Lord, let your worries cease,

Rejoice in His presence, find your peace.

Live in the light of His love and grace,

See the divine in every face.

Our fellowship with God, a sacred tie,

Through the Holy Spirit, who hears our cry.

In this dance of life, may we ever be,

A reflection of His love, for all to see.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before You today, acknowledging Your faithfulness in Your commitment to Your people. We recognize that You are more powerful than any force on earth, sovereign, and have ultimate control over all things.

We thank You for Your power and ability to deliver those who trust in You from their enemies. We are grateful for Your love, compassion, concern, and care that is upon the poor, the marginalized, and those in need.

We understand that salvation is available through faith in You. We find joy and gladness in Your presence. We commit to trust in You, Lord, to rejoice in Your presence, and to live in the light of Your love and grace.

We thank You for the fellowship we have with You through the Holy Spirit. May this fellowship guide us, strengthen us, and lead us closer to You.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Background and Learning Lessons

Psalm 68 is a part of the Old Testament in the Bible, specifically in the Book of Psalms, which is a collection of religious verses, sung as songs in worship. This Psalm is attributed to David.

Psalm 68:2-3, 4-5, 6-7 is set in the context of God’s triumph over His enemies and His care for the needy. Most commentators believe this psalm is connected with the coming of the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem, celebrating not only that event, but also the faithfulness of God to give Israel victory over her enemies, and to make Jerusalem secure enough to bring the ark into the city.

The verses read as follows:

Verses 2-3: "As smoke is driven away, so drive them away; as wax melts before the fire, let the wicked perish before God. But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God; yes, let them rejoice exceedingly."

Verses 4-5: "Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides through the deserts; his name is the LORD; exult before him! Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation."

Verses 6-7: "God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land. O God, when you went out before your people, when you marched through the wilderness, Selah."

These verses highlight the power of God over His enemies, His care for the fatherless and widows, and His guidance of His people. They express the confidence and the need of God’s people: “God, go before us and take care of our enemies. It’s too dangerous ahead without You.” This spirit of confident dependence is appropriate for every believer. It’s a significant part of the narrative as it shows the impact of God’s power and His care for His people. It also highlights the importance of praising God and rejoicing in His presence.

Psalm 68:2-3, 4-5, 6-7 offers several important lessons:

God’s Power and Deliverance: The psalm begins with a call for God to arise and scatter His enemies. This teaches us about God’s power and His ability to deliver those who trust in Him from their enemies.

Joy in God’s Presence: The psalmist encourages the righteous to be glad and rejoice before God. This shows us that joy and gladness are found in the presence of God.

God’s Love and Compassion: The psalmist praises God for His love and care for the poor and those in need. This reminds us of God’s compassion and His concern for the marginalized.

God’s Sovereignty: The psalmist celebrates that God is more powerful than any force on Earth. This teaches us about God’s sovereignty and His ultimate control over all things.

God’s Salvation: The psalmist praises God for bringing salvation to His people. This points us to the salvation that is available through faith in God.

God’s Fellowship: The psalmist celebrates that God’s glory would again dwell with His people. This highlights the fellowship we can have with God through the Holy Spirit.

God’s Faithfulness: The psalmist gives thanks because he could trust God to be faithful in delivering the Jews from any future threats they might face. This teaches us about God’s faithfulness and His commitment to His people.

God’s Majesty: The psalmist celebrates God’s glory and majesty that would be a beacon of light from His Temple. This reminds us of the majesty of God and His glorious presence.

These lessons remind us of the power, love, sovereignty, salvation, fellowship, faithfulness, and majesty of God. They encourage us to trust in Him, rejoice in His presence, and live in the light of His love and grace. (Copilot)

Trustworthy in Very Small Matters

"The person who is trustworthy in very small matters 

is also trustworthy in great ones."

LUKE 16:10

Trustworthy is to be able to relied on as honest or truthful, dependable, and reliable. It is the assurance that someone will get things done. Trust, which can be defined as a belief in the abilities, integrity, and character of another person, is often thought of as something that personal relationships are built on, but according to recent research in Harvard Business Review, trust is the foundation of most successful organizations. Being trustworthy means that people in your organisation behave ethically because it’s the right thing to do. (Microsoft Bing)

Jesus said to His disciples: “I tell you, make friends for yourselves with dishonest wealth, so that when it fails, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. The person who is trustworthy in very small matters is also trustworthy in great ones; and the person who is dishonest in very small matters is also dishonest in great ones. If therefore, you are not trustworthy with dishonest wealth, who will trust you with true wealth? If you are not trustworthy with what belongs to another, who will give you what is yours? No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all these things and sneered at Him. And He said to them, “You justify yourselves in the sight of others, but God knows your hearts; for what is of human esteem is an abomination in the sight of God.” (Lk 16:9-15)

Now to him who can strengthen you, according to my Gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages but now manifested through the prophetic writings and, according to the command of the eternal God, made known to all nations to bring about the obedience of faith, to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Rom 16:24-27)

Every day will I bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord and highly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable. Generation after generation praises Your works and proclaims Your might. They speak of the splendor of Your glorious majesty and tell of Your wondrous works. Let all Your works give You thanks, O Lord, and let Your faithful ones bless You. Let them discourse of the glory of Your Kingdom and speak of Your might. (Ps 145:2-3, 4-5, 10-11)

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

APPLICATION OF THE PARABLE / A SAYING AGAINST THE PHARISEES

Luke 16:08-13 / 14-15

VII: Conclusion

PAUL'S GREETINGS / GREETINGS FROM CORINTH

Romans 16: 03-16/21-23

Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150

THE GREATNESS AND GOODNESS OF GOD

Psalm 145:01-21

Prisoner to Properity

God gives a home to the forsaken; 

He leads forth prisoners to prosperity. 

PSALM 68:6-7

Father in heaven, You are my one and only true Father, my Lord and my God who knows everything. You have shown forth your power and dominion over all things in the world because of your love who knows no bounds. Thank you so much for adopting me as your very own child in Christ Jesus, your only begotten Son who is my Lord and Savior. In Him, you have opened the floodgates of heaven for me to receive the vast riches of your inheritance that will truly prosper me beyond my dreams and imaginations.

I confess Your mighty powers over me who will never allow sins to take over my life. Unworthy as I am, You still make me ride on the heights of the heavens, giving me the desires of my heart to be abundant and prosperous. May You continue to shower me with the abundance of Your graces and blessings each day, making my life full and complete. Be my power and strength so that I can live a life that is pleasing to You. 

I believed that my wishes and desires comes from You. A home that will shelter my family and prosperity that will secure our financial stability. All these I continue to lift up to you for there is nothing I can have that does not come from You. Please share with me the glorious riches of Your kingdom in this world so that I will always live for the praise and glory of Your name.

In whatever I say and do, may You always be praised and glorified as God and Father to us all through Jesus Christ your Son who lives and reigns with you together with Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.

Delight in Prosperous Days

Which of you desires life, 

and takes delight in prosperous days? 

PSALM 34 : 13

Father in heaven, Your wealth and riches are far beyond man's wildest dreams and imaginations. You own all that is seen and unseen, making all things possible for the ones You love to receive the richness of your grace. Truly, I have a big God who owns everything. Thank you so much Lord for giving me a life that delights in prosperous days.

I give praise and glory to your mighty Name O God, who had blessed me in every way, making it possible for me to act in accordance with your will and instructions. In Jesus Name, I humbly claim these vast resources that will truly make me rich in all things. May the power of Your mighty hands be upon me each day that truly brings glory to Your name and makes me enjoy a very meaningful and productive life. 

With much hope, love, praise and thanksgiving I humbly ask and pray in Jesus Name. Amen.

Become Rich

For you know the gracious act of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

that for your sake He became poor although He was rich, 

so that by His poverty you might become rich. 

2 CORINTHIANS 8 : 9

Lord Jesus, although You are rich, You became poor for my sake, so that by Your poverty I might become rich. 

Be praised and glorified O Lord for Your gracious act that made me who I am and what I am today. In You, I have become rich in every way.

Today, I humbly ask and pray for the utmost generosity of Your heart to be upon me. May the overflowing abundance of Your graces and blessings be shared to all those who are in need. Make me a channel and instrument of Your love to each person You draw to me most especially the poor and the needy. 

May I be able to excel in every respect, in faith, discourse, knowledge, all earnestness, and in the love for others that you have placed in my heart. I live by Your grace and I stand by Your grace. 

All glory and honor are Yours now and forever. Amen.