Cycle (B) 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 Jer 31:7-9; Heb 5:1-6; Mk 10:46-52

 Today's Gospel describes Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem through Jericho, an ancient city, fifteen miles away from Jerusalem. Jericho was the first city conquered by the Israelites when they entered Palestine. It was a city of great wealth and remarkable beauty. Great numbers of merchants and Jewish priests made their homes in this pleasant city.  Jesus was on his way to the Passover. When a distinguished Rabi was on such a journey he was surrounded by his disciples.

The Mosaic Law required every Jewish male over the age of twelve and living within fifteen miles of Jerusalem to attend the Passover. It was practically impossible. Hence, those who could not fulfil this obligation would often line the roads to Jerusalem to greet the crowds of pilgrims as they passed toward the city. Beggars also capitalized on the increased traffic through

Cycle (B) 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 Is 53:10-11; Heb 4:14-16; Mk 10:35-45

 Todays Gospel places before us two beautiful themes. The trust and confidence of James and John, the sons of Zabedee, in the glory of Jesus and the teaching of Jesus to be practiced in his kingdom to attain glory.

 James and John, the sons of Zabedee, approached Jesus with a request: "Master, allow us to sit one at your right hand and the other at your left in your glory. James and John witnessed many times the opposition that Jesus faced from the religious leaders; they experienced the bitterness of the clergy against Jesus; they sensed the dangers that awaited Jesus on his way ahead; in spite of them all they could still connect glory with a Galilean carpenter. This is an amazing confidence and loyalty.

The challenges James and John had continued to be the challenges of every Christian in every age, but they made their appearance in their contemporary forms – like challenges of dogmas, challenges raised by philosophies,

Cycle (B) 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 Wis 7:7-11; Heb 4:12-13; Mk 10:17-30

There is an old story about an 18th century man who was moving overseas. His life's savings of gold and silver coins were carried in a big money belt he wore around his waist. The ship hit an iceberg and started to go down. It was sinking so fast that many people had to jump in the water and swim to the lifeboats already launched. The man jumped in, but because he could not bear the thought of leaving that heavy money belt behind, he went to the bottom of the sea.

 Jesus tells the story of such a man in today's gospel. The young man was attracted by Jesus. He was good, frank and God fearing. Mark says that "Jesus looked steadily at him and loved him." Jesus invited him to leave behind all riches, and he promised him a far more precious treasure in exchange. But, reluctant to renounce his wealth the man did not accept the invitation of Jesus.

The invitation to follow God, leaving aside the possessions has been given at every level of history. People who accepted the invitation of God became part of history and part of human salvation. People who were reluctant to leave behind