Gospel Reflections for October 13 2024: 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Gospel for October 13 2024 – Mark 10: 17-30

Gospel Reflections for October 13 2024

Religious freedom 

We are getting close to election time. 

Politicians often hope to have an event or speech that changes everything and guarantees victory on Election Day. Jesus had that chance in today’s Gospel, but it did not turn out well.

Jesus already had a great reputation. He is polling well! He enters a town accompanied by a large crowd when a well-known rich young man approaches with a question about eternal life. 

This was Our Lord’s chance to impress the crowd 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, … the rich young man walks away. What is amazing 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, nor change His teaching either.

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. 

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 religious freedom which helped him to convert. 

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 freely choose our path …it is more likely that we will eventually freely come around to the truth, perhaps just like Mark, that rich young man.

Then we will enjoy the same happiness that Mark did.

God Bless!

Fr. Dave