Gospel 

Mark 10:17or 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 human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God."  Peter began to say to him, "We have given up everything and followed you." Jesus said, "Amen, I say to you, there is no one who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for my sake and for the sake of the gospel who will not receive a hundred times more now i this present age: houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and eternal life in the age to come."

OR:

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 hav 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 human beings it is impossible, but  not for God. All things are possible for God."

Sermon

My brothers and sisters in Christ, today's Gospel reading presents Jesus' encounter with a rich young man seeking eternal life. Jesus' response highlights the challenges of wealth and the importance of following Him.

The Rich Young Man's Question:

- Asks about inheriting eternal life

- Jesus redirects focus to God's goodness

Jesus' Response:

- Lists commandments

- Reveals the young man's limitation: attachment to wealth

- Calls him to sell, give, and follow

The Challenge of Wealth:

- Wealth can hinder entering God's Kingdom

- Impossible for humans, but possible with God

The Disciples' Reaction:

- Amazement and doubt

- Jesus reassures: all things are possible with God

Peter's Declaration:

- We have given up everything to follow You

- Jesus promises abundant rewards in this life and eternity

Implications for Us:

- Evaluate our priorities: wealth or God?

- Recognize the cost of discipleship

- Trust God's promise: all things are possible

Conclusion:

May we let go of earthly attachments, following Jesus to gain eternal life.

Reflection Questions:

1. What attachments hinder your relationship with God?

2. How do you prioritize wealth and material possessions?

3. What steps can you take to follow Jesus more closely?

Prayer

Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty, merciful, and loving God, help us let go of earthly attachments. May our hearts be focused on You.

Lord Jesus, help us let go of earthly attachments. May our hearts be focused on You.

We pray for:

- Detachment from material possessions

- Simplicity and generosity

- Courage to follow Jesus closely

- Trust in Your promise: all things are possible

In Jesus' most holy name, Amen.

Additional prayer points:

- Pray for clarity on priorities

- Ask for forgiveness for attachment to wealth

- Seek wisdom on simplicity

- Request blessing for those struggling with detachment

Reflection:

- Reflect on attachments hindering your relationship with God

- Evaluate priorities: wealth or God?

- Identify steps to follow Jesus more closely

- Pray for someone struggling with materialism

Prayer for Detachment:

Lord Jesus, free us from earthly bonds. May our hearts seek heavenly treasures. Amen.

Prayer for Trust:

Heavenly Father, increase our faith. May we trust Your promise: all things are possible. Amen.

May these prayers guide you in letting go of earthly attachments, following Jesus to gain eternal life.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ