Readings: Wis. 7:7-11; Heb. 4:12-13; Mk. 10:17-30
Go, Sell What You
Have, and Give to the Poor!
1. Solomon encountered the Lord in the first book of Kings, who said, “Ask something of me, and I will give it to you.” Solomon answered and said give your servant an understanding heart to judge your people and to govern this vast people of yours.” (1 Kings 3:5-10). Solomon asked for the gift of wisdom. He recognized that he was a mere youth, not knowing how to act. He wanted to learn how to govern the people of God, ruling them with equity, justice, and love. He wanted to know the difference between good and evil and what mattered in life. He desired the greater good rather than scanty victories with no proper judgment. His answer pleased God, who then said to him, “Because you have asked for this – not for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right – I do as you requested. I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now, and after you, there will come no one to equal you. In addition, I give you what you have not asked for, such riches and glory that there is not your like among kings.” (1 Kings 3:10-14).
2. Today’s first reading praises the significance of wisdom, a transformative force everyone should strive for. It’s not just a gift but a catalyst for spiritual growth. It’s the first and highest gift of the Holy Spirit, the perfection of faith, enabling us to correctly value what we believe in through faith. “Wisdom is a spiritual gift which enables one to know the purpose and plan of God.” (CCC 1831).
3. Christ is the wisdom of God, the hidden treasure a man finds and sells everything to buy. He is the way, the truth, and the life. He knows the way to the kingdom of God. St James tells us that “Wisdom from above is pure, peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity.” (3:17). Christ, therefore, is what the rich young man in today’s gospel wanted; he is the answer to his yearning and the aspiration of his life. The rich young man is poor indeed, without Christ. He lacks one thing and, therefore, must go, sell “What you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, then come, follow me.” This detachment is not a loss but a liberation, freeing us from the shackles of materialism and self-centeredness.
4. But the rich young man was too blind to see that the answer to his prayer was right before him. His story serves as a cautionary tale for us all. He asked Eternal Life what he was to do to get eternal life. All he needed was to open his eyes and be detached from the clutches and shackles that hindered him. But the young man was comfortably hiding under the cloak of the law. “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” He did nothing wrong by keeping the law; he did not hurt anyone, but what else did he do? Nothing! Apart from keeping the law, Christ wanted him to dirty his hands by helping others. Go and sell what you have and give it to the poor. Christ invited him to be detached from the law to be free to love. But no, he would rather die than seek the wisdom he so badly needed. His love for wealth and riches robbed him of heaven. He loved the law more than people. He did nothing wrong, but he did nothing more. He offended no one, but he sinned against Lady Charity. Give to the poor to gain heaven and eternal life. He would instead go to hell than allow a penny of his to fall into the hands of those immigrants, those poor people, those beggars, those sick people, the displaced and homeless people. After all, he was not responsible for their condition. He worked hard for his money, so why should he help them? So, better die and go to hell than help those people. Better hold on to the law and doctrines than bend down to see the needs of others.
5. Christianity must be practical, not just a set of rules we follow. We must be Christians in word and in deed, with charity being the cornerstone of our actions. A Christian who is rich in keeping the law but lacking in charity is a dead Christian. We must listen to the Word and allow ourselves to be affected by it. The second reading reminds us that “The word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow, and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.” We often leave the church sad because the pastor said something we do not like or agree with. Remember the rich young man? He went away sad because he did not like what Christ asked him to do. The Word and the Wisdom of God, Christ Jesus himself, invites us to dig deep and throw our nets into the deep water for a catch; are we ready to listen to him? You may say you are not rich; you have no wealth or money. You may even say Christ was not talking about you because you do not have those things. But wait a minute. What about your attachment to things, anger, hurt, aggression, and your way of life? If we do not detach from what hinders us from seeing Christ, our way to the Father, we will be sad and miss the kingdom. Let us pray for the gift of wisdom and, most importantly, for the wisdom of God. May we see in our poor the pathway to eternal life. If today, you listen to his voice harden, not your heart! Amen.
Rev. Augustine
Etemma Inwang, MSP
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