What haughty lives we lead indeed! When we talk down to others thinking that it is fitting they are put in their place. When we are harsh in our words even in our actions with our children, our aging parents. When we think it is our right to lose our temper against the service provider who annoyed us in some way. When we think it is alright to indulge in our many pleasures alone for having earned the right to do so; while abandoning all thought or deed for others in our community, church, workplace especially those who are poor and helpless. For thinking we only need the Lord our God when we are in dire need.How happy will we be? When we are stripped of all our accumulated wealth? Our health, physical, mental or born? Our notion of being invincible? Or if all those we mistreated are taken home leaving us no chance to make amends?For those of us who have discovered the truth, let us always strive to always remember that we are never poor or ever in want when we are rich in the Lord our God. When our lives are enriched by His word and will for us. When all joy and peace is to be found in serving Him and our brethren who has been entrusted to us. Our decision to sell all that we own to follow Him has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life with Him. Now and forever, Amen
First reading
Ezekiel 24:15-24 ·
The Lord will profane his sanctuaryThe word of the Lord was addressed to me as follows, ‘Son of man, I am about to deprive you suddenly of the delight of your eyes. But you are not to lament, not to weep, not to let your tears run down. Groan in silence, do not go into mourning for the dead, knot your turban round your head, put your sandals on your feet, do not cover your beard, do not eat common bread.’ I told this to the people in the morning, and my wife died in the evening, and the next morning I did as I had been ordered.
The people then said to me, ‘Are you not going to explain what meaning these actions have for us?’
I replied, ‘The word of the Lord has been addressed to me as follows, “Say to the House of Israel: The Lord says this. I am about to profane my sanctuary, the pride of your strength, the delight of your eyes, the passion of your souls. Those of your sons and daughters whom you have left behind will fall by the sword. And you are to do as I have done; you must not cover your beards or eat common bread; you must keep your turbans on your heads and your sandals on your feet; you must not lament or weep. You shall waste away owing to your sins and groan among yourselves. Ezekiel is to be a sign for you. You are to do just as he has done. And when this happens, you will learn that I am the Lord.”’
Gospel
Matthew 19:16-22
If you wish to be perfect, go and sell what you ownThere was a man who came to Jesus and asked, ‘Master, what good deed must I do to possess eternal life?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you ask me about what is good? There is one alone who is good. But if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.’ He said, ‘Which?’ ‘These:’ Jesus replied ‘You must not kill. You must not commit adultery. You must not bring false witness. Honour your father and mother, and: you must love your neighbour as yourself.’ The young man said to him, ‘I have kept all these. What more do I need to do?’ Jesus said, ‘If you wish to be perfect, go and sell what you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ But when the young man heard these words he went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth.
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