Jesus sees that the man loves his wealth more than God.

Jesus tells him to sell everything, give the money to the poor,

and follow Him.The man becomes very sad and leaves because he is very rich.

Jesus then explains that it is very hard for rich people to enter God's kingdom

because their hearts trust in money instead of God.

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

Ezekiel 24:15-23

The word of

Yahweh came to me in these terms, "Son of man,

I am about to suddenly take from you the delight of your eyes,

but you are not to lament or weep or let your tears flow.

Groan in silence and do not mourn for the dead; wear your turban,

put on your sandals, do not cover your beard or eat the customary food of mourners.

 

 I spoke to the people in the morning and my wife died that evening.

The next morning I did as I had been commanded. Then the people said to me:

"Explain to us the meaning of your actions." I said to them, "

The word of Yahweh came to me in these terms: 'Say to Israel:

I am about to profane my Sanctuary, your pride, the delight of your eyes for which you long.

 

The sons and daughters you left behind will also fall by the sword,

but you will do as I have done: you will not cover your beard

or eat the customary food of mourners; you will keep your turbans on your heads

and sandals on your feet. You will not lament or weep. Instead,

because of your sin, you will waste away and groan among yourselves.

 

Dt 32:18-19, 20, 21

You have forgotten God who gave you birth.

 

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊     

Matthew 19:16-22

It was then that a young man approached him and asked, "Master,

what good work must I do to receive eternal life?" Jesus answered,

"Why do you ask me about what is good? One, only, is good.

If you want to enter eternal life, keep the commandments."

The young man said, "Which commandments?"

Jesus replied, "Do not kill; do not commit adultery;

do not steal; do not bear false witness; honor your father and mother.

 

And love your neighbor as yourself." The young man said to him,

"I have kept all these commandments. What do I still lack?"

Jesus answered, "If you wish to be perfect, go, sell all that you possess,

and give the money to the poor; and you will have treasure in heaven.

Then come back and follow me." On hearing this,

the young man went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth.

 

Gospel Reflection ：

"Go, sell your possessions and give to the poor."

Jesus challenges a rich young man who desires eternal life

but struggles to detach from his wealth. This passage is a profound reminder

of the obstacles that material possessions can pose on our faith journey.

The young man's sorrowful departure highlights the tension

between earthly attachments and divine calling.

 

Wealth is not inherently evil but can often lead to misplaced priorities.

It tempts us to rely on our resources instead of God, creating a barrier to fully surrendering

our hearts to Him. Jesus' words, "Go, sell your possessions and give to the poor,

and you will have treasure in heaven," call us to prioritize eternal riches over fleeting earthly ones.

 

Following Christ requires a radical commitment – a willingness to release anything

that hinders our relationship with Him. True fulfillment lies not in accumulating wealth

but in placing God above all else. Let this passage inspire us to examine our hearts,

detach from worldly idols, and live fully for His kingdom.