Today’s readings bring us face to face with a crucial question: What is truly important in life? In the first reading from the Book of Wisdom, we hear about Solomon’s prayer. He prayed not for riches or power, but for wisdom, saying: “I preferred her to scepters and thrones, and I accounted wealth as nothing in comparison with her” (Wis 7:8). Solomon understood that wisdom—God’s guidance in our lives—is more valuable than anything else we could possess.
In the Gospel, a rich young man approaches Jesus with a similar question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mk 10:17). The man believes he has done everything right—he has followed the commandments, lived a good life—but he senses that something is missing. When Jesus tells him to go and sell all his possessions, give the money to the poor, and follow Him, the man goes away sad, because he has many possessions (Mk 10:21-22).
The rich young man’s struggle is one that many of us can relate to. He desires eternal life, but his heart is attached to worldly things. He is caught between his longing for God and his dependence on material wealth. Jesus isn’t condemning wealth itself, but He sees that this man’s riches have become a barrier to a deeper relationship with God. Jesus challenges him, and all of us, to reflect on what holds us back from fully following Him.
Solomon’s prayer for wisdom gives us a clear perspective. He knew that wisdom—the ability to see life through God’s eyes—is the greatest treasure. It helps us to understand that the things of this world are temporary, while the things of God are eternal. Solomon reminds us to seek wisdom, which leads to a life of virtue, generosity, and peace.
In contrast, the rich young man, though outwardly successful, lacked the inner wisdom to let go of his wealth and trust completely in God. Jesus asks him, and asks us, to let go of anything that stands between us and Him, so that we can receive the true riches He offers: life with Him.
Jesus’ command to give to the poor is not just about an external act of charity. It’s an invitation to reorient our hearts and lives. When we give to those in need, we are not only sharing our resources, but we are also freeing ourselves from the chains of greed and self-reliance. It opens our hearts to God's love and helps us to grow in compassion, humility, and trust.
By giving to the poor, we also store up treasures in heaven, treasures that cannot fade or be taken away. Jesus says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Mt 6:21). Where is our treasure today? Is it in the things of this world, or in our relationship with God?
Finally, Jesus acknowledges how difficult it can be to let go of our attachments. He says, “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God” (Mk 10:25). But He quickly adds, “For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. For God all things are possible” (Mk 10:27). This is the heart of the Gospel message: We cannot save ourselves by our own efforts. Only by trusting in God’s grace and mercy can we find the strength to let go and follow Him fully.
Brothers and sisters, the story of the rich young man challenges us to examine our lives. What are we holding onto that keeps us from fully following Jesus? Are we seeking true wisdom, as Solomon did, or are we distracted by the fleeting things of this world? Let us ask God for the grace to detach from anything that separates us from Him, to give generously to those in need, and to follow Jesus with all our hearts. For with God, all things are possible.