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of his acquisitions; he tells him to change his relationship to the poor: to help them, to
identify with them. This may contribute to the man's grief and apparent inability to do
what Jesus asks. He resists surrendering not only wealth, but also status and power. The
financial, social, and political costs are too great. The rich man's story and Jesus' hy-
perbole remind us that
ALL
aspects of what it means to follow Jesus rankle our deeply
ingrained instincts toward self-preservation and financial security. This passage is not so
unique in its demands, for it is not that different from others in which Jesus describes a
life of discipleship, such as in Mark 8:34-37, ˈWhoever wishes to come after me must
deny himself, take up his cross, and follow meˉ.
As a faith community, we will hear today˅s readings in diverse ways, depending upon the
social class and economic situation of individual members. Still, given our current cul-
tural context, in which so much of our collectively ingrained assumptions about financial
security have been uprooted and have further exposed our runaway consumption, as
Catholics we need listen to the gospel's perspective on discipleship, possessions, and
abundance. Our challenge is to show that the kingdom of God confronts us with a vision
of life and identity quite incompatible with so many of our core presuppositions about
wealth, prerogatives, and selfhood. As Beloved Disciples, we are called to participate in
the divine saving plan ˈwith worksˉ, not riches, flowing out from a living faith. Let us pray
for wisdom from above, renounce our possessions, take up our cross and follow Jesusˎ
because all things are possible for God.
P
RAYER
Lord, hear the prayers we offer from contrite hearts.
We pray for prudence and wise hearts.
Lead us back to the way of holiness.
Protect us now and always from the wounds of sin.
All things are possible in your name.
Amen.
_______
R
AMÓN
B. B
ARRERAS
Education Formation Commission
RCIA Dismissal Ministry