Gospel for October 10 2021 – Mark 10:17-30
Gospel Reflections for October 10 2021
Mandates vs. freedom
This is a time of contentious debate over various health mandates.
We hope and pray that wisdom will guide what is best for your physical health. In today’s Gospel, Jesus reveals what is best for your eternal health and salvation. At first, it did not turn out well!
Jesus already had a great reputation, and is “polling” well among the people. In the Gospel, a well-known rich young man asks Him a concise and direct question about eternal life.
This was Our Lord’s chance to impress the people by converting this influential young man. If Jesus could produce a victory here, His fame would spread even faster!
He answers the man’s question in the same way it was asked, concisely and directly, however, it does not work …and the rich young man walks away. What is interesting is what Jesus does next, which is …nothing! He does not run after him seeking to make yet another case for conversion. He respects the man’s religious freedom to decide for himself. Jesus still looks at him with love, but would not interfere with his free and personal decision.
In the parable of the Lost Sheep, Jesus the Good Shepherd goes after a lost sheep because it wants to come home but just does not know how. The rich young man was not lost. He had just had eternal life clearly explained perfectly to him by Jesus Himself …and he rejected it.
We do not know for certain what became of that young man, but some bible scholars today believe that this rich young man in the Gospel of Mark, is actually …Mark himself! They believe that at some later time Mark changed, and came back to the Lord, and then years later wrote his own story of that first meeting where Jesus respected his freedom into his Gospel.
I know parents sometimes struggle with older children who seek another religious path at times (especially after just one year at college!). It is hard to make general guidelines because each case is so unique.
This Gospel makes a good case for religious freedom for adults, and that when we can be free; it is more likely that we will eventually come around to the truth, perhaps just like Mark, that rich young man.
I do not have the expertise to comment on physical health but this Gospel certainly does for eternal health for sure!
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
When listening to the readings, I am always asking for Gods wisdom. It sure would help.
The Gospel mean to me was that I need to seek what my priorities are. In the flesh I would love to be real rich. A million would be nice. But God in His great wisdom would probably know that my goal should be to look to Our Lord and not wish for what is unnecessary in my life.. When I sit in adoration I always confess, “Not my will but yours Lord.” I love adoration as it is a time to not talk but to listen as God really wants us to listen once in a while and to be directed by the Holy Spirit. It can be very convicting and enlightening. To seek Godly wisdom and to put everything in the correct priorities. Looking at what is more important than God and dealing with it. Not easy but worth it..
By the way. I was talking to a friend about that Priest that came to St. Pascal years ago about adoration. and she would like to look him up on Google. Do u remember his name?
I like very much your “Listening” style in adoration. Well said. Unfortunately, I do not remember the priest’s name who introduced adoration to our parish at that time. I wish I did.
I’d never even guessed that the young man in that gospel of Mark was actually Mark himself …. but it stands to reason that it likely was! Great insight!
I think that insight adds great to understanding the compassionate love of our Lord.
Fr. Dave
Rich young man looking for eternal life.
Priceless.
Jesus knows what is truest in our heart.
Have great trip to the Holy Land coming up this next week. Many blessings.
Jane
Our trip was again postponed, this time to next June. I hope we can travel then!
Thank you Fr. Dave for explaining God’s love and forbearance with us!
It is interesting that Jesus respects our freedom to decide for ourselves.
Even if our decisions are different from His, He doesn’t intervene to
change our minds. He steps aside and lets us decide for ourselves.
Yes, and Our Lord always “looks at us with love.”
Love your precious words Freedom of choice and with precious prayers the flight of Jesus will shine throuh!! Loveeeee it!! Have a beautiful day in our precious Jesus and our beautiful Blessed Mother’s Divine, sweet love!!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee our precious Jesus’ light shining through you!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
Thank you!
Dear Father Dave,
Free will and faith! Add to the mix, prayer, love, hope, and life.
I’ve experienced these things and am in awe of them.
God bless you!
Kathleen
Glad to hear you have experienced all these thing!