Wisdom 7:7-11
Psalm 89
Hebrews 4:12-13
Mark 10:17-30
St Mark has such a keen eye for human interaction, and a skilful story teller. In the passage from his gospel proclaimed this Sunday – at least if we heard the longer version provided in the Lectionary – we hear of a poignant exchange between a man who strives for the good, but cannot pay the cost Jesus proposes, and the challenge this presents to the disciples.
The disciples find themselves bewildered by Jesus’ teaching about how wealth can make it more difficult for people to enter heaven. Then Peter pipes up; ‘But we have left everything to follow you . . .’ Jesus assures him, what you have left for my sake will be repaid a hundred times over – but not without persecutions. Following Jesus comes at a cost, always and for everyone. Following Jesus draws us heavenwards, but always by helping us to learn not to hold on to anything that would keep us from communion with him. Not our riches, not even our poverty, or our failings.