28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening Sentence and Prayer:

Remember God’s goodness and ask for God’s wisdom as we continue to our journey towards the Kingdom.
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God of wisdom, whose word probes the motives of our hearts, with You all things are possible. Let worldly possessions not keep us from Jesus, who looks on us with love. Free us to leave all things and follow Him, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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Hymn: “Immortal Invisible God Only Wise; Great are You Lord”

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A Reading from the Apocrypha: Wisdom 7:7-11 (NRSVACE)
[A reflection on the gift of wisdom, presented as the greatest gift anyone could receive.]

I prayed, and understanding was given me; I called on God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.

I preferred her to scepters and thrones, and I accounted wealth as nothing in comparison with her. Neither did I liken to her any priceless gem, because all gold is but a little sand in her sight, and silver will be accounted as clay before her. I loved her more than health and beauty, and I chose to have her rather than light, because her radiance never ceases.

All good things came to me along with her, and in her hands uncounted wealth.
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A Reading from the Psalms: Psalm 90:12-17 (NLT)

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.

O Lord, come back to us! How long will you delay? Take pity on your servants! Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives. Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery! Replace the evil years with good. Let us, your servants, see you work again; let our children see your glory.

And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful!
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“Psalm 90” – James Block (Selah Vol.1)

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A Reading from the Letters: Hebrews 4:12-13 (NLT)
[God’s word is powerful, it cuts through us and exposes what is wrong]

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.
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A Reading from the Gospels: Mark 10:17-30 (NLT)
[The rich young seeks a simple way of entering heaven, since money is no problem to him. Jesus tells him money itself is a problem, but then reassures that God can save all, whatever their wealth.]

As Jesus was starting out on his way to Jerusalem, a man came running up to him, knelt down, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

“Why do you call me good?” Jesus asked. “Only God is truly good. But to answer your question, you know the commandments: ‘You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not testify falsely. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.’”

“Teacher,” the man replied, “I’ve obeyed all these commandments since I was young.”

Looking at the man, Jesus felt genuine love for him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he told him. “Go and sell all your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God!” This amazed them. But Jesus said again, “Dear children, it is very hard to enter the Kingdom of God. In fact, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!”

The disciples were astounded. “Then who in the world can be saved?” they asked.

Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But not with God. Everything is possible with God.”

Then Peter began to speak up. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said.

“Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and property — along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life.
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“Word of God Speak” by Mercyme

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Intercessions:

The Lord is merciful to all who serve Him, therefore we can ask for help and guidance, and present our needs.

+ For church leaders who deliberate on behalf of God’s people – that the Holy Spirit may guide them…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all believers – that they may have God’s gifts of wisdom and sound judgement…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who have left everything to follow Christ – that their promised reward may keep them going in difficult times…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who have been blessed with wealth – that they may faithfully serve God through their cheerful and generous giving…. Lord, hear us.
+ For refugees and migrants – that wealthy nations may exercise wisdom and sound judgement in support of those who are truly needy…. Lord, hear us.
+ For believing young people – that following Christ at an early age may shape their life choices and decisions…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who have died, especially those martyred because of their Christian faith – that the light of God’s glory may shine on them…. Lord, hear us.

Lord, Your favor shines out upon us, You give success to the work of our hands: help us according to our needs, we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Hymn: “With God, All Things Are Possible” – by Christine Coleman

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Benediction:

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Rev. 1:5b-6)

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen