28th Sunday Ordinary Time – Does Jesus Hate the Rich?

Why is Jesus always making the rich feel guilty? feel bad about themselves? Why is he so down on those who have wealth?

Let’s look closer. Mark’s gospel promotes the Two Paths understanding of being human, being Jewish, and following Jesus. There’s the Path to Life. Wisdom. There’s the Path to Death. Folly. Choose Life, therefore! This is the fundamental crossroads he stands at. Whosoever approaches him there receives an appropriate challenge.

Jesus had already taught the disciples this in the Parable of the Sower (below)

     Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy.  But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.  Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. (Mark 4:16-19)

Jesus addresses the folly of riches, whatever they are that one could place all her trust. In contrast, he recommends a life of trust in God.

How’s that so far?

Tomorrow: What do you give to the man who has everything? Nothingness.