Wisdom 7:7-11; Hebrews 4:12-13; Mark 10:17-30
The challenge of wealth and attachment can be found in the Old Testament. Consider the story of King Solomon (1 Kings 11:1-11). Initially blessed with wisdom and wealth, Solomon’s heart gradually turns away from God because of his attachment to his riches and foreign wives. Though he started with a vocation as a wise ruler, his love for wealth and power caused him to lose his focus on God. He becomes an example of someone who, though gifted, strayed from his calling due to material attachments.
Another example is Lot's wife (Genesis 19:26). When God commanded Lot’s family to flee from Sodom without looking back, Lot’s wife couldn’t resist turning her gaze back to the life she was leaving. Her attachment to her past life, possibly her
possessions, led to her destruction. She serves as a reminder of the cost of disobedience and the danger of holding on to worldly things when God calls us to move forward.In the New Testament, the story of Judas Iscariot tragically mirrors that of the rich man. Judas was one of Jesus' disciples, called to follow him closely. However, Judas’ love for money led him to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16). He lost his vocation because of his greed, showing the destructive power of material desires.
On the other hand, we have the example of Peter, who, unlike the rich man, left everything to follow Jesus (Luke 5:11). Despite his imperfections, Peter embraced his calling, letting go of his former life as a fisherman to become a disciple and, eventually, a leader of the early Church. This stands in contrast to the rich man, who walked away from Jesus because he couldn't let go of his wealth.
In modern times, we see similar stories of individuals who, despite great potential, lose their way because of wealth or attachment. Consider the tragic stories of celebrities or public figures who, after achieving fame and fortune, lose their sense of purpose, falling into addiction or personal despair. Jim Carrey, for example, has spoken openly about how, despite achieving immense wealth and success, he found himself unfulfilled and struggling with depression. His words, “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it’s not the answer,” echo Jesus' teaching that wealth alone cannot bring eternal life.
There are many contemporary figures who have embraced the path of self-denial and sacrifice. Sister Norma Pimentel’s life is a powerful example of modern-day self-denial, sacrifice, and service, living out the Gospel's call to care for "the least of these" (Matthew 25:40). Her dedication to migrants, despite the political and social challenges, illustrates a life rooted in compassion, humility, and relentless service to others.
Born in Texas to Mexican immigrant parents, Sister Norma grew up in a bilingual, bicultural environment, which deepened her sense of empathy and service for migrant communities. She joined the Missionaries of Jesus and has since dedicated her life to serving others, forsaking personal comfort and recognition in the process.
Sister Norma is the executive director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. She has devoted her life to helping the most vulnerable, particularly migrants fleeing violence, poverty, and persecution in Central America. She has been described as the "Mother Teresa of South Texas" for her tireless efforts to serve those in need, often working in challenging and dangerous conditions. Her work gained international attention in 2014 during a surge in migrant families and unaccompanied minors crossing the U.S.-Mexico border.
The message of this passage challenges us to examine our own attachments and priorities. Are we more like the rich man, clinging to our possessions and comfort, or like Peter and Mother Teresa, willing to leave everything behind to follow Jesus? While Jesus’ words may seem radical, they are not just about renouncing wealth but about freeing our hearts from anything that keeps us from fully embracing our vocation and God's call.
The story "The Last Blanket" reflects the deep essence of self-denial—giving away what we treasure, even at our own cost, to help someone in need.
In a small, cold village nestled deep in the mountains, there lived an old man named Mateo. He was known for his kindness, though he had little to give. His home was a small, drafty shack, and his possessions were few. Among them, his most treasured was a thick, warm blanket that had been passed down from his mother. On the coldest of nights, it was his only source of warmth.
One harsh winter, a terrible storm swept through the village. The wind howled, and the snow piled high, leaving many homes in despair. The villagers struggled to keep warm, but none suffered more than a young widow named Rosa and her small son, Pedro. Their home had no proper roof, and they were left shivering in the bitter cold.
Hearing about Rosa’s plight, Mateo couldn’t sleep. He lay in his bed, wrapped in his precious blanket, but his heart ached knowing that the boy and his mother were freezing. He got up, looked at his blanket, and hesitated. It was his only shield against the cold.
He thought about his mother’s words when she had given it to him: “This blanket will keep you warm, but only if your heart remains warmer.”
Without another thought, Mateo folded the blanket carefully and, braving the cold himself, trudged through the snow to Rosa’s home. He knocked on the door, and when she opened it, he handed her the blanket.
“For you and Pedro,” he said simply, his teeth chattering.
Rosa hesitated, knowing Mateo needed it as much as they did. But she saw the kindness in his eyes, and with tears, she accepted his gift.
That night, Mateo returned to his shack, cold but at peace. He lay on his bed, shivering, but feeling a warmth from within that no blanket could ever provide.
The next morning, the storm had passed, and a group of villagers came to his door. Word had spread of Mateo’s sacrifice, and each of them brought something—a bundle of firewood, a loaf of bread, and, finally, a new blanket, warmer and thicker than the one he had given away.
Mateo smiled, not because of the gifts, but because he knew that true warmth comes from the heart, and what we give away in kindness always finds its way back to us, multiplied.
In our society today, wealth is often seen as a measure of success. Yet, this passage calls us to rethink that notion. The accumulation of wealth for its own sake can be a hindrance to spiritual growth and fulfillment. However, the invitation Jesus gives is not just to give up wealth but to use it in service of others, particularly the poor. By detaching from wealth and using our resources to help those in need, we store up "treasure in heaven."
The rich man’s sadness upon hearing Jesus' challenge is a reminder that following Christ is not easy. It requires sacrifice, detachment, and trust in God's plan. But the promise Jesus gives us is far greater: "a hundred times as much" in this life and eternal life to come. As we strive to live out this message in today’s society, may we always remember that with God, all things are possible, even the detachment from the things that bind us to this world.
Satish