Inheritance

In Mark 10:17-30, Jesus responds to a wealthy manโ€™s question about inheriting eternal life by inviting him to sell his possessions and follow Him. The young manโ€™s struggle reveals that the real challenge lies not in wealth itself, but in trusting God over material security. This gospel invites us to reflect on what we rely onโ€”our riches or Godโ€™s providenceโ€”and challenges us to embrace a spirit of detachment and generosity in order to inherit the Kingdom of God.

CHURCH FATHERS (48) Gregory the Great: โ€œservant of the servants of Godโ€

St. Gregory the Great, Pope from 590 to 604, was a remarkable leader who saw himself as the “servant of the servants of God.” With strong administrative skills, deep spiritual wisdom, and a heart for evangelization, Gregory helped shape the Church in turbulent times. His works like the Regula Pastoralis and Moralia in Iob reveal his vision of Christian humility and moral leadership. He believed holiness was always possible, even in the most difficult times.

Moses: Living and Struggling with Godโ€™s Call to the End

Moses is a profound figure in the Old Testament, called by God while tending to his father-in-law’s flock, illustrating how divine calls often emerge amid our daily lives. Despite his initial doubts about his abilities, Moses was reassured by Godโ€™s promise: โ€œI will be with you.โ€ This narrative reminds us that our vocations, especially in priestly and religious life, are filled with challenges, yet our commitment to a genuine relationship with God is crucial for overcoming them.

Bypassing the Middlemen of the Kingdom

In todayโ€™s Gospel, Jesus addresses the Pharisees’ question about divorce by pointing to the divine intention of marriage as an indissoluble bond, contrasting human laws with God’s deeper purpose. He also welcomes children with open arms, teaching us to embrace simplicity and openness in our faith. These two incidents challenge us to reflect on how we interpret Godโ€™s laws and whether we create barriers for others in their journey to Christ.

Authentic Love

In this Sunday’s Gospel (Mark 10:2-16), Jesus teaches about the sacredness and indissolubility of marriage, reflecting God’s perfect, unconditional love for us. The Pharisees test Him with a question about divorce, but Jesus highlights that true love, whether in marriage or our relationship with God, is irrevocable, self-giving, and pure. He calls us to live this holy love in our commitments, just as God has committed to us for eternity.

CHURCH FATHERS (47) Romanus the Melodist: Conveying the faith in poetry and song

Romanus the Melodist, a 6th-century Church Father, conveyed the faith through poetry and song, using beauty to express theological truths. Despite initial struggles, he received the gift of hymnography from the Blessed Virgin and composed many hymns, or “kontakia,” that captivated his listeners. His legacy reminds us that faith, when alive, inspires beauty and creativity, connecting us to our rich Christian cultural heritage.