REFLECTIONS TODAY

The heart is the measure of true service. True honesty is having a heart that is willing to be taught. And who should be teaching us? Only Jesus! We are all his students, disciples who learn every day from the example he left behind—his words and deeds.

But where can we find Jesus today? He is in each of our hearts, but above all in the Church! He is the head of the Church, and each of us is part of his body. Ephesians 2:20 says that the Church is built on and preserved by the apostles of Jesus who continue his mission. And this is the main task of the Church: to be the teacher and guide of all believers.
As we are disciples of Jesus, it is our responsibility to take to heart the teachings of the Church. We are not merely waiting to be spoon-f e d , w e a l s o h a v e t h e obligation to study and reflect on our faith. And our faith tells us both the beauty and the difficulties in following Jesus. Like the rich man in the Gospel, are we planning to abandon our faith because we think too much is being asked of us? If we only open our minds and hearts, we will realize the beauty of our faith in Christ.

First Reading • Sir 17:20-24

To the penitent God provides a way back, he encourages those who are losing hope and has chosen for them the lot of truth. Return to him and give up sin, pray to the Lord and make your offenses few. Turn again to the Most High and away from your sin, hate intensely what he loathes, and know the justice and judgments of God, Stand firm in the way set before you, in prayer to the Most High God.

Who in the nether world can glorify the Most High in place of the living who offer their praise? Dwell no longer in the error of the ungodly, but offer your praise before death. No more can the dead give praise than those who have never lived; You who are alive and well shall praise and glorify God in his mercies. How great the mercy of the Lord, his forgiveness of those who return to him!

Responsorial Psalm • Ps 32

“Let the just exult and rejoice in the Lord.”

Gospel • Mk 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.”

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2025,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.