Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Homily on October 13

Cycle B

First Reading Wisdom 7:7-11

Wisdom is preferred above gold and silver.

Responsorial Psalm 90:12-13,14-15,16-17

The Lord fills us with love and joy.

Second Reading Hebrews 4:12-13

The Word of God exposes the heart.

Gospel Reading Mark 10:17-30

A man with many possessions asks Jesus what he must do to gain eternal life.

The Light of Wisdom: A Path to God

Today, on the Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, the liturgy invites us to reflect on the true value of wisdom and how it, along with goodness, comes from God and surpasses all earthly riches. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom speaks to us about how wisdom is a divine gift that illuminates our path and brings us closer to a true understanding of God. In the Gospel, Jesus challenges us to go beyond mere observance of commandments to enter into a deeper relationship with Him, where God becomes the center of our lives and our priorities. Through these readings, we are invited to examine what place God occupies in our hearts and to ask ourselves: Are we willing to leave everything behind to follow Him and receive the true wisdom and wealth that only He can offer?

The first reading from the Book of Wisdom (Wisdom 7:7-11) is part of the central section of the book, specifically a praise of wisdom (ḥokmah) found in chapters 6:22 to 9:18. Here, we see that the possession of wisdom is the result of a religious attitude and prayer (7:7-10)[1]. In this passage, wisdom is praised under the name of PRUDENCE, which is equal to the SPIRIT OF WISDOM. The author expresses that he prefers wisdom over scepters and thrones, gold and silver, because the riches of this world (health and beauty) are nothing compared to her. In short, wisdom is like a light that never sets. With her, all good things come—countless riches. But what does this wisdom mean for us?

According to some biblical studies, the perspective the author offers on the concept of wisdom is that it serves as “a divine attribute and as a manifestation of God’s sovereignty over the cosmos and history, broadly expressing the way in which God governs and intervenes in all events of creation”[2]. Therefore, wisdom is indeed the presence of God who governs the world and history. In this line of thought, we read in Wisdom 7:25-26: “Wisdom is a breath of the power of God, a pure emanation of the glory of the Almighty, therefore nothing defiled can affect it. It is a reflection of eternal light, a spotless mirror of God’s activity, and an image of His goodness”[3]. In other words, wisdom is the light that never fades, a reflection of the eternal light, which ultimately points to God Himself.

The Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 90:12-13, 14-15, 16-17), similar in theme to the Book of Wisdom, is a prayer and a plea for mercy, compassion, and wisdom of heart. In essence, it is a cry for God’s love: “Fill us with your love, O Lord.”

In the Second Reading from the Letter to the Hebrews (Hebrews 4:12-13), the author highlights the vitality and power of the Word of God, as well as its ability to penetrate deep into the human person, “discerning reflections and thoughts of the heart.” When the author writes, “penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow”, he is emphasizing that the Word of God reaches every dimension of the human being because everything is laid bare before His eyes. As pilgrims in this world, we are called to live in this Word and believe that God is the beginning and end of all that is created.

The Gospel for this Sunday (Mark 10:17-30) invites us to reflect on three key points: first, the statement of “Good Teacher” and Jesus’ response, “Why do you call me good?”; second, the discussion about the commandments; and lastly, in line with the Book of Wisdom, Jesus’ affirmation: “For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God”.

1. The Address “Good Teacher”

The man who kneels before Jesus addresses Him as “Good Teacher.” Indeed, Jesus is a teacher, but the word “good” carries a deeper Hebrew meaning. The term for “good” (טוֹב, tov) in the Old Testament functions as both an adjective and a substantive.

As an adjective: “Tov” describes something that has positive qualities, is morally right, or desirable. In other words, it refers to a superficial or external attribute, something added from the outside.

As a noun: “Tov” can refer to an abstract concept of goodness or to what is beneficial or inherently right. It represents goodness itself, an intrinsic part of God’s own nature.

In Jewish thought, absolute goodness is an exclusive attribute of God. Thus, Jesus is not denying that He Himself is good but is instead pointing out that true goodness originates from God. This dialogue invites the rich young man to question what he truly considers to be “good”.

2. The Commandments

In the Old Testament, the Ten Commandments were given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:4-21). In today’s Gospel, Jesus repeats the commandments to the man, keeping with the Jewish oral tradition. However, He indirectly adds two more that summarize the others: the commandment to love God and to love your neighbor as yourself. By living these two commandments, one can let go of earthly possessions and give to the poor, who are also one’s neighbors. Thus, the passage’s meaning goes beyond merely following rules or fulfilling duties. It’s a call to ask ourselves: Which commandments are we following, and why?

3. Jesus’ Affirmation: “For human beings, it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God”

Sometimes, we try to solve our problems relying solely on our own strength and may not achieve the results we hope for. But when we recognize that our strength comes from God, who provides us with the necessary grace to face our daily struggles, everything becomes possible. So, let us respond like Peter: “We have given up everything and followed you”. We have given Him our worries, problems, sadness, and troubles—everything, please Lord, help us to face all our challenges along the way.

In short, the readings remind us that true wisdom and goodness come from God alone, surpassing all worldly riches. Jesus invites us to move beyond mere rule-following to a deeper trust and surrender, placing God first in our lives. When we do this, everything becomes possible through Him.

[1] Cf. TABET Miguel Ángel, Introducción al Antiguo Testamento. Libros poéticos y sapiensales, Palabra, Madrid 2007, 241.

[2] Ibid., 242.

[3] Ibid., 246.