Heavenly Riches and Earthly Riches

 

Heavenly riches give joy because they are our true riches.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, Monday of 8th Week in Ordinary Time II, May 27th, 2024
Texts: 1 Peter 1:3-9; Psalm 111:1-2,5-6,9-10; Mark 10:17-27 

Today’s readings remind of two types of riches: heavenly riches and earthly riches. St. Peter describes heavenly riches thus: “An inheritance which is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” He calls it an inheritance because the riches are for those who have right to them. The riches are kept in heaven and lose no value. 

Jesus Christ, in today’s gospel reading, tells us how to acquire heavenly riches. We acquire heavenly riches by our charitable works and following Jesus Christ faithfully. In the words of Jesus: “Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."  

Heavenly riches give joy because they are our true riches

St. Peter, in the first reading, tells us that heavenly riches are the source of joy. Referring to heavenly riches, St. Peter says, “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer various trials”. Heavenly riches give joy because they are our true riches. The joy of acquiring riches in heaven quenches the pain of suffering; it is imbued with the power to survive suffering.  

The other riches are earthly riches. They are perishable, defiled, and fading. They are found on earth. Jesus Christ speaks about them thus: “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." They become obstacles on our way to God’s kingdom if we trust in earthly riches. Earthly riches should be used to attain God’s kingdom.  

Prayer 

God our Father, grant us generous hearts that we may be generous with earthly riches and by so doing attain Your kingdom; may we always find joy in heavenly riches. Amen 

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke