Monday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
When we look at our readings for today, there are at least two possible responses. One is to respond to Jesus’ words as did the rich young man. We can go away sad and discouraged, thinking that we will never be perfect enough, that we will never be willing to perform the heroics that will make us truly holy. We might read that first reading from the book of Sirach and think that we will never be able to give up sin. After all, who among us has not struggled with some sin, purposefully amending that we will never do it again, only to fall once more? Indeed, these words may incite discouragement among us.
But if we stop here, leaving as our conclusion that we are failures who can’t try hard enough (or don’t really want to try hard enough) to end our weaknesses, then we will miss out on the more important message of the readings, namely the message of hope. For, no matter how many times we fail, “To the penitent God provides a way back” (Sir 17:20). God encourages us, rather than simply condemning us. And this is why Jesus does not simply end his words today by pronouncing how hard it is for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Instead, he responds to the disciples’ astonishment with the most important message: “For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God” (Mk 10:27). All things are possible for God. Whenever we feel discouraged by our imperfections, failures, or struggles, we need only repeat this sentence to ourselves. For our God is no strict disciplinarian who delights in punishing us. No, as our Old Testament (Sirach) and our New Testament (Gospel of Mark) readings confirm today, our God is merciful. God does not want us to sin; he does not want our love of money to detract from our love of him. But God does not abandon those who acknowledge their sins and repent of them. Like a loving parent, God looks upon our efforts lovingly, viewing us with compassion in our struggles and seeking to help us, as would any thoughtful and concerned parent. All things are possible for God. Whatever our struggles with sin now might be – whether getting caught up in material possessions, being uncharitable to those who annoy us, being impatient with our children, being too indulgent with food or drink, etc. – with the grace of God, we can overcome these sins, little by little. All things are possible for God. And so one important response to today’s readings must be one of seeking and accepting the grace of God as it is offered to us. We must learn to see our struggles, and even our failures that result in sin, as opportunities to grow closer to God because God provides us a way back to him if we are penitent. Again, we have recourse to the sacrament of confession, as well as the opportunity to bear our daily burdens cheerfully and to make small sacrifices in amendment for our sins. But another important response to today’s readings is simply to praise God, to be grateful, to be joyful. As Sirach says, “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!” (Sir 17:24). We can never, ever praise God too much. For every delight of life – the smile of a child, the courteous driver who lets us into busy traffic, the delicious dinner, the fruitful time of prayer, the appreciative boss, the difficult situation that somehow turns out well – we can thank and praise God. All things are possible for God, and all the events of our lives are opportunities for us to grow closer to God. Let us commit ourselves, today and every day, to praise God, whether in our failures or our joys! - Maria Morrow