Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B Wisdom 7:7-11/ Psalm 90/Hebrews 4:12-13/Mark 10:17-30 THEME: Hierarchy of values and Choice

In our lives, we are required to make many choices. Many things attract us and we cannot have them all. To choose some things means we must denounce others. The readings of today are on this theme of choice . Of the many values that we encounter in human existence, which is the most important, the supreme value? The Book of Wisdom answers this question by stating that wisdom possesses a more precious value than others such as power, wealth, health and beauty (First Reading). The encounter with the rich young man allows Jesus to reaffirm the superior value of choosing him who is the wisdom of God over the goods and riches of this world (Gospel). Indeed, when we choose him, we get all that we lost a hundredfold. The authority and effective penetration of the Word of God deserves to be recognized as the supreme value, like God himself (Second Reading). Values are good in themselves but every individual must have a hierarchy of values. Both individuals and societies are governed by values. In other words, everything we do is based on what we believe to be good, and what objectively is good. Personal values determine a person´s way of being, living and acting, just like social values determine a society´s way of being, acting and living. In the first reading, the wise man taking cognisance of the moral decadence of his time as a result of acquisition of wealth and realizing that his whole life depended not on his wealth goes in search of wisdom. He says, " I preferred her to scepters and thrones and I accounted wealth as nothing in comparison with her..." ( Wisdom 7:8). The wise man loves wisdom than health and beauty and he chooses to have her rather than light because her radiance never ceases( cf. v.10). Then he concludes that all things come along with her and in her hands unaccounted wealth (v. 11). Like the wise man, the psalmist implores God to help him number his days so that he may gain a wisdom of heart. The wisdom that the wise man is seeking for is presented to us in the second reading as alive and active namely the Word of God. This Word of God is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Before him, no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render account. In the gospel reading, we see a direct opposite of the wise man in the first reading. We see one who allowed the pleasures of the world to cloud his vision of true wisdom, Jesus Christ himself. Again, we find one who desires wealth and beauty to wisdom. There are many values, and they affect different areas of human existence (economic, cultural, moral and religious values). Faced with the variety of values, an order or hierarchy must be established. In a true hierarchy, religious values take the first place, followed by moral ones, cultural ones and finally economic values. Any changes to this hierarchy are detrimental to the human person, and ultimately to society. If we place the goods of this world (economic values) above following Christ, our "pockets" will be fuller, to the detriment of the human person and of Christian faith. If fitness and beauty are placed above moral values, society will have great athletes and slim bodies to the detriment of more deeply human values, like justice, honesty, loyalty, faithfulness, and the dignity of the human person. The attachment to riches is evil for man, because it prevents him from following Jesus Christ and placing God in his heart. I must emphasise that Jesus the wisdom of God gives meaning to our desire to possess material things when we place him first in all things. He assures Peter who represent a humanity asking Jesus what he will get having placed Jesus first in everything. Characteristics of the supreme value that Jesus the wisdom of God assures us of are: First of all, the supreme value gives meaning and fullness to all other values. Love for God as a supreme value is not opposed to valuing material goods, or those that have to do with health or beauty. God wants us to have what is necessary to live, he wants us to pay attention to our health and the beauty of our appearance. Seen in this light, material goods are not only economic values, nor are health and beauty purely human values, for they all acquire a fullness that they do not have in themselves: they are part of God´s plan for man. The Word of God and his authority are not in contrast with the authority and words of parents, educators or government leaders. Rather, the Word of God bestows upon them a strength and effectiveness that they do not have in themselves. Second, it is God who enlightens human intelligence to see which is the highest value in a range of values and how these values rank in relation to one another. On our own, without God´s enlightenment, we run the risk of building up mistaken hierarchies. This is why the first reading begins precisely in the following way: "And so I prayed, and understanding was given me; I entreated, and the spirit of Wisdom came to me." Third, the correct value always ends up rewarding both the individual and society with good fruits. "In her company all good things came to me," we are told in the Book of Wisdom. And Jesus replies to Peter, who represents the Twelve, "In truth I tell you, there is no one who has left his home, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children or land for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times as much... now in this present time and, in the world to come, eternal life." Wherever your value is, that is where your heart lies. The values that govern the life of a person or a society are very indicative. This is a reason for reflection in the light of our current social environment. In the statistics concerning the interest and values of citizens, what are the values of greatest interest and concern? Among many, it is health; in many others, work. Quite a few are also concerned with the environment. Then comes the everything else. Do we realize that in a correct scale of values these do not come first? On the contrary, such economic and practical values are at the bottom of the hierarchical pyramid. Now, wherever your values are, that is where your heart lies. In other words, your values are where you have placed your entire self (your intelligence, will, emotions and sensitivity). You are worth what your values are worth. If your main value is health, for which you sacrifice all other values, your human and Christian worth will be rather low. If your prevailing value is Jesus, then you elevate yourself to a great human and Christian level which will have repercussions on your moral life, your work, your family and even in the way you look after your health. Let us keep this clear: having God as a supreme value prevents us from despising other values. What is more, it commands us to value them, care for them, and seek them in an orderly fashion. Jesus as our supreme value is our greatest treasure. In sum, according to Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs which he presents in a form of a pyramid, at the base of the pyramid is what he calls, physiological needs ( food, health etc); followed by safety needs( shelter, security); belonging needs ( love, affection, sense of belonging ness); esteem needs ( self esteem and esteem from others); and self actualisation needs ( achieving one's highest potential). Maslow's presentation of the hierarchy of needs has no place for man's ultimate fulfillment in this life namely man's intimate relationship with his maker. That which was left out was provided by Viktor Frankl namely self- transcendence. This is exactly what Jesus invites us to today. He invites us to look beyond our selfish needs and have him; and be like him who though he was in the form of God did not count equality with God but emptied himself taking the form of a servant; offering his life for you and me. He teaches us that in our hierarchy of needs, he is the first and the last; without him, our life will have no meaning.

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B Wisdom 7:7-11/ Psalm 90/Hebrews 4:12-13/Mark 10:17-30 THEME: Hierarchy of values and Choice

In our lives, we are required to make many choices. Many things attract us and we cannot have them all. To choose some things means we must denounce others. The readings of today are on this theme of choice . Of the many values that we encounter in human existence, which is the most important, the supreme value? The Book of Wisdom answers this question by stating that wisdom possesses a more precious value than others such as power, wealth, health and beauty (First Reading). The encounter with the rich young man allows Jesus to reaffirm the superior value of choosing him who is the wisdom of God over the goods and riches of this world (Gospel). Indeed, when we choose him, we get all that we lost a hundredfold. The authority and effective penetration of the Word of God deserves to be recognized as the supreme value, like God himself (Second Reading). Values are good in themselves but every individual must have a hierarchy of values. Both individuals and societies are governed by values. In other words, everything we do is based on what we believe to be good, and what objectively is good. Personal values determine a person´s way of being, living and acting, just like social values determine a society´s way of being, acting and living. In the first reading, the wise man taking cognisance of the moral decadence of his time as a result of acquisition of wealth and realizing that his whole life depended not on his wealth goes in search of wisdom. He says, " I preferred her to scepters and thrones and I accounted wealth as nothing in comparison with her..." ( Wisdom 7:8). The wise man loves wisdom than health and beauty and he chooses to have her rather than light because her radiance never ceases( cf. v.10). Then he concludes that all things come along with her and in her hands unaccounted wealth (v. 11). Like the wise man, the psalmist implores God to help him number his days so that he may gain a wisdom of heart. The wisdom that the wise man is seeking for is presented to us in the second reading as alive and active namely the Word of God. This Word of God is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Before him, no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render account. In the gospel reading, we see a direct opposite of the wise man in the first reading. We see one who allowed the pleasures of the world to cloud his vision of true wisdom, Jesus Christ himself. Again, we find one who desires wealth and beauty to wisdom. There are many values, and they affect different areas of human existence (economic, cultural, moral and religious values). Faced with the variety of values, an order or hierarchy must be established. In a true hierarchy, religious values take the first place, followed by moral ones, cultural ones and finally economic values. Any changes to this hierarchy are detrimental to the human person, and ultimately to society. If we place the goods of this world (economic values) above following Christ, our "pockets" will be fuller, to the detriment of the human person and of Christian faith. If fitness and beauty are placed above moral values, society will have great athletes and slim bodies to the detriment of more deeply human values, like justice, honesty, loyalty, faithfulness, and the dignity of the human person. The attachment to riches is evil for man, because it prevents him from following Jesus Christ and placing God in his heart. I must emphasise that Jesus the wisdom of God gives meaning to our desire to possess material things when we place him first in all things. He assures Peter who represent a humanity asking Jesus what he will get having placed Jesus first in everything. Characteristics of the supreme value that Jesus the wisdom of God assures us of are: First of all, the supreme value gives meaning and fullness to all other values. Love for God as a supreme value is not opposed to valuing material goods, or those that have to do with health or beauty. God wants us to have what is necessary to live, he wants us to pay attention to our health and the beauty of our appearance. Seen in this light, material goods are not only economic values, nor are health and beauty purely human values, for they all acquire a fullness that they do not have in themselves: they are part of God´s plan for man. The Word of God and his authority are not in contrast with the authority and words of parents, educators or government leaders. Rather, the Word of God bestows upon them a strength and effectiveness that they do not have in themselves. Second, it is God who enlightens human intelligence to see which is the highest value in a range of values and how these values rank in relation to one another. On our own, without God´s enlightenment, we run the risk of building up mistaken hierarchies. This is why the first reading begins precisely in the following way: "And so I prayed, and understanding was given me; I entreated, and the spirit of Wisdom came to me." Third, the correct value always ends up rewarding both the individual and society with good fruits. "In her company all good things came to me," we are told in the Book of Wisdom. And Jesus replies to Peter, who represents the Twelve, "In truth I tell you, there is no one who has left his home, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children or land for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times as much... now in this present time and, in the world to come, eternal life." Wherever your value is, that is where your heart lies. The values that govern the life of a person or a society are very indicative. This is a reason for reflection in the light of our current social environment. In the statistics concerning the interest and values of citizens, what are the values of greatest interest and concern? Among many, it is health; in many others, work. Quite a few are also concerned with the environment. Then comes the everything else. Do we realize that in a correct scale of values these do not come first? On the contrary, such economic and practical values are at the bottom of the hierarchical pyramid. Now, wherever your values are, that is where your heart lies. In other words, your values are where you have placed your entire self (your intelligence, will, emotions and sensitivity). You are worth what your values are worth. If your main value is health, for which you sacrifice all other values, your human and Christian worth will be rather low. If your prevailing value is Jesus, then you elevate yourself to a great human and Christian level which will have repercussions on your moral life, your work, your family and even in the way you look after your health. Let us keep this clear: having God as a supreme value prevents us from despising other values. What is more, it commands us to value them, care for them, and seek them in an orderly fashion. Jesus as our supreme value is our greatest treasure. In sum, according to Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs which he presents in a form of a pyramid, at the base of the pyramid is what he calls, physiological needs ( food, health etc); followed by safety needs( shelter, security); belonging needs ( love, affection, sense of belonging ness); esteem needs ( self esteem and esteem from others); and self actualisation needs ( achieving one's highest potential). Maslow's presentation of the hierarchy of needs has no place for man's ultimate fulfillment in this life namely man's intimate relationship with his maker. That which was left out was provided by Viktor Frankl namely self- transcendence. This is exactly what Jesus invites us to today. He invites us to look beyond our selfish needs and have him; and be like him who though he was in the form of God did not count equality with God but emptied himself taking the form of a servant; offering his life for you and me. He teaches us that in our hierarchy of needs, he is the first and the last; without him, our life will have no meaning.

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B Wisdom 7:7-11/ Psalm 90/Hebrews 4:12-13/Mark 10:17-30 THEME: Hierarchy of values and Choice

In our lives, we are required to make many choices. Many things attract us and we cannot have them all. To choose some things means we must denounce others. The readings of today are on this theme of choice . Of the many values that we encounter in human existence, which is the most important, the supreme value? The Book of Wisdom answers this question by stating that wisdom possesses a more precious value than others such as power, wealth, health and beauty (First Reading). The encounter with the rich young man allows Jesus to reaffirm the superior value of choosing him who is the wisdom of God over the goods and riches of this world (Gospel). Indeed, when we choose him, we get all that we lost a hundredfold. The authority and effective penetration of the Word of God deserves to be recognized as the supreme value, like God himself (Second Reading). Values are good in themselves but every individual must have a hierarchy of values. Both individuals and societies are governed by values. In other words, everything we do is based on what we believe to be good, and what objectively is good. Personal values determine a person´s way of being, living and acting, just like social values determine a society´s way of being, acting and living. In the first reading, the wise man taking cognisance of the moral decadence of his time as a result of acquisition of wealth and realizing that his whole life depended not on his wealth goes in search of wisdom. He says, " I preferred her to scepters and thrones and I accounted wealth as nothing in comparison with her..." ( Wisdom 7:8). The wise man loves wisdom than health and beauty and he chooses to have her rather than light because her radiance never ceases( cf. v.10). Then he concludes that all things come along with her and in her hands unaccounted wealth (v. 11). Like the wise man, the psalmist implores God to help him number his days so that he may gain a wisdom of heart. The wisdom that the wise man is seeking for is presented to us in the second reading as alive and active namely the Word of God. This Word of God is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Before him, no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render account. In the gospel reading, we see a direct opposite of the wise man in the first reading. We see one who allowed the pleasures of the world to cloud his vision of true wisdom, Jesus Christ himself. Again, we find one who desires wealth and beauty to wisdom. There are many values, and they affect different areas of human existence (economic, cultural, moral and religious values). Faced with the variety of values, an order or hierarchy must be established. In a true hierarchy, religious values take the first place, followed by moral ones, cultural ones and finally economic values. Any changes to this hierarchy are detrimental to the human person, and ultimately to society. If we place the goods of this world (economic values) above following Christ, our "pockets" will be fuller, to the detriment of the human person and of Christian faith. If fitness and beauty are placed above moral values, society will have great athletes and slim bodies to the detriment of more deeply human values, like justice, honesty, loyalty, faithfulness, and the dignity of the human person. The attachment to riches is evil for man, because it prevents him from following Jesus Christ and placing God in his heart. I must emphasise that Jesus the wisdom of God gives meaning to our desire to possess material things when we place him first in all things. He assures Peter who represent a humanity asking Jesus what he will get having placed Jesus first in everything. Characteristics of the supreme value that Jesus the wisdom of God assures us of are: First of all, the supreme value gives meaning and fullness to all other values. Love for God as a supreme value is not opposed to valuing material goods, or those that have to do with health or beauty. God wants us to have what is necessary to live, he wants us to pay attention to our health and the beauty of our appearance. Seen in this light, material goods are not only economic values, nor are health and beauty purely human values, for they all acquire a fullness that they do not have in themselves: they are part of God´s plan for man. The Word of God and his authority are not in contrast with the authority and words of parents, educators or government leaders. Rather, the Word of God bestows upon them a strength and effectiveness that they do not have in themselves. Second, it is God who enlightens human intelligence to see which is the highest value in a range of values and how these values rank in relation to one another. On our own, without God´s enlightenment, we run the risk of building up mistaken hierarchies. This is why the first reading begins precisely in the following way: "And so I prayed, and understanding was given me; I entreated, and the spirit of Wisdom came to me." Third, the correct value always ends up rewarding both the individual and society with good fruits. "In her company all good things came to me," we are told in the Book of Wisdom. And Jesus replies to Peter, who represents the Twelve, "In truth I tell you, there is no one who has left his home, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children or land for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times as much... now in this present time and, in the world to come, eternal life." Wherever your value is, that is where your heart lies. The values that govern the life of a person or a society are very indicative. This is a reason for reflection in the light of our current social environment. In the statistics concerning the interest and values of citizens, what are the values of greatest interest and concern? Among many, it is health; in many others, work. Quite a few are also concerned with the environment. Then comes the everything else. Do we realize that in a correct scale of values these do not come first? On the contrary, such economic and practical values are at the bottom of the hierarchical pyramid. Now, wherever your values are, that is where your heart lies. In other words, your values are where you have placed your entire self (your intelligence, will, emotions and sensitivity). You are worth what your values are worth. If your main value is health, for which you sacrifice all other values, your human and Christian worth will be rather low. If your prevailing value is Jesus, then you elevate yourself to a great human and Christian level which will have repercussions on your moral life, your work, your family and even in the way you look after your health. Let us keep this clear: having God as a supreme value prevents us from despising other values. What is more, it commands us to value them, care for them, and seek them in an orderly fashion. Jesus as our supreme value is our greatest treasure. In sum, according to Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs which he presents in a form of a pyramid, at the base of the pyramid is what he calls, physiological needs ( food, health etc); followed by safety needs( shelter, security); belonging needs ( love, affection, sense of belonging ness); esteem needs ( self esteem and esteem from others); and self actualisation needs ( achieving one's highest potential). Maslow's presentation of the hierarchy of needs has no place for man's ultimate fulfillment in this life namely man's intimate relationship with his maker. That which was left out was provided by Viktor Frankl namely self- transcendence. This is exactly what Jesus invites us to today. He invites us to look beyond our selfish needs and have him; and be like him who though he was in the form of God did not count equality with God but emptied himself taking the form of a servant; offering his life for you and me. He teaches us that in our hierarchy of needs, he is the first and the last; without him, our life will have no meaning.

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B Wisdom 7:7-11/ Psalm 90/Hebrews 4:12-13/Mark 10:17-30 THEME: Hierarchy of values and Choice

In our lives, we are required to make many choices. Many things attract us and we cannot have them all. To choose some things means we must denounce others. The readings of today are on this theme of choice . Of the many values that we encounter in human existence, which is the most important, the supreme value? The Book of Wisdom answers this question by stating that wisdom possesses a more precious value than others such as power, wealth, health and beauty (First Reading). The encounter with the rich young man allows Jesus to reaffirm the superior value of choosing him who is the wisdom of God over the goods and riches of this world (Gospel). Indeed, when we choose him, we get all that we lost a hundredfold. The authority and effective penetration of the Word of God deserves to be recognized as the supreme value, like God himself (Second Reading). Values are good in themselves but every individual must have a hierarchy of values. Both individuals and societies are governed by values. In other words, everything we do is based on what we believe to be good, and what objectively is good. Personal values determine a person´s way of being, living and acting, just like social values determine a society´s way of being, acting and living. In the first reading, the wise man taking cognisance of the moral decadence of his time as a result of acquisition of wealth and realizing that his whole life depended not on his wealth goes in search of wisdom. He says, " I preferred her to scepters and thrones and I accounted wealth as nothing in comparison with her..." ( Wisdom 7:8). The wise man loves wisdom than health and beauty and he chooses to have her rather than light because her radiance never ceases( cf. v.10). Then he concludes that all things come along with her and in her hands unaccounted wealth (v. 11). Like the wise man, the psalmist implores God to help him number his days so that he may gain a wisdom of heart. The wisdom that the wise man is seeking for is presented to us in the second reading as alive and active namely the Word of God. This Word of God is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Before him, no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render account. In the gospel reading, we see a direct opposite of the wise man in the first reading. We see one who allowed the pleasures of the world to cloud his vision of true wisdom, Jesus Christ himself. Again, we find one who desires wealth and beauty to wisdom. There are many values, and they affect different areas of human existence (economic, cultural, moral and religious values). Faced with the variety of values, an order or hierarchy must be established. In a true hierarchy, religious values take the first place, followed by moral ones, cultural ones and finally economic values. Any changes to this hierarchy are detrimental to the human person, and ultimately to society. If we place the goods of this world (economic values) above following Christ, our "pockets" will be fuller, to the detriment of the human person and of Christian faith. If fitness and beauty are placed above moral values, society will have great athletes and slim bodies to the detriment of more deeply human values, like justice, honesty, loyalty, faithfulness, and the dignity of the human person. The attachment to riches is evil for man, because it prevents him from following Jesus Christ and placing God in his heart. I must emphasise that Jesus the wisdom of God gives meaning to our desire to possess material things when we place him first in all things. He assures Peter who represent a humanity asking Jesus what he will get having placed Jesus first in everything. Characteristics of the supreme value that Jesus the wisdom of God assures us of are: First of all, the supreme value gives meaning and fullness to all other values. Love for God as a supreme value is not opposed to valuing material goods, or those that have to do with health or beauty. God wants us to have what is necessary to live, he wants us to pay attention to our health and the beauty of our appearance. Seen in this light, material goods are not only economic values, nor are health and beauty purely human values, for they all acquire a fullness that they do not have in themselves: they are part of God´s plan for man. The Word of God and his authority are not in contrast with the authority and words of parents, educators or government leaders. Rather, the Word of God bestows upon them a strength and effectiveness that they do not have in themselves. Second, it is God who enlightens human intelligence to see which is the highest value in a range of values and how these values rank in relation to one another. On our own, without God´s enlightenment, we run the risk of building up mistaken hierarchies. This is why the first reading begins precisely in the following way: "And so I prayed, and understanding was given me; I entreated, and the spirit of Wisdom came to me." Third, the correct value always ends up rewarding both the individual and society with good fruits. "In her company all good things came to me," we are told in the Book of Wisdom. And Jesus replies to Peter, who represents the Twelve, "In truth I tell you, there is no one who has left his home, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children or land for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times as much... now in this present time and, in the world to come, eternal life." Wherever your value is, that is where your heart lies. The values that govern the life of a person or a society are very indicative. This is a reason for reflection in the light of our current social environment. In the statistics concerning the interest and values of citizens, what are the values of greatest interest and concern? Among many, it is health; in many others, work. Quite a few are also concerned with the environment. Then comes the everything else. Do we realize that in a correct scale of values these do not come first? On the contrary, such economic and practical values are at the bottom of the hierarchical pyramid. Now, wherever your values are, that is where your heart lies. In other words, your values are where you have placed your entire self (your intelligence, will, emotions and sensitivity). You are worth what your values are worth. If your main value is health, for which you sacrifice all other values, your human and Christian worth will be rather low. If your prevailing value is Jesus, then you elevate yourself to a great human and Christian level which will have repercussions on your moral life, your work, your family and even in the way you look after your health. Let us keep this clear: having God as a supreme value prevents us from despising other values. What is more, it commands us to value them, care for them, and seek them in an orderly fashion. Jesus as our supreme value is our greatest treasure. In sum, according to Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs which he presents in a form of a pyramid, at the base of the pyramid is what he calls, physiological needs ( food, health etc); followed by safety needs( shelter, security); belonging needs ( love, affection, sense of belonging ness); esteem needs ( self esteem and esteem from others); and self actualisation needs ( achieving one's highest potential). Maslow's presentation of the hierarchy of needs has no place for man's ultimate fulfillment in this life namely man's intimate relationship with his maker. That which was left out was provided by Viktor Frankl namely self- transcendence. This is exactly what Jesus invites us to today. He invites us to look beyond our selfish needs and have him; and be like him who though he was in the form of God did not count equality with God but emptied himself taking the form of a servant; offering his life for you and me. He teaches us that in our hierarchy of needs, he is the first and the last; without him, our life will have no meaning.

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B Wisdom 7:7-11/ Psalm 90/Hebrews 4:12-13/Mark 10:17-30 THEME: Hierarchy of values and Choice

In our lives, we are required to make many choices. Many things attract us and we cannot have them all. To choose some things means we must denounce others. The readings of today are on this theme of choice . Of the many values that we encounter in human existence, which is the most important, the supreme value? The Book of Wisdom answers this question by stating that wisdom possesses a more precious value than others such as power, wealth, health and beauty (First Reading). The encounter with the rich young man allows Jesus to reaffirm the superior value of choosing him who is the wisdom of God over the goods and riches of this world (Gospel). Indeed, when we choose him, we get all that we lost a hundredfold. The authority and effective penetration of the Word of God deserves to be recognized as the supreme value, like God himself (Second Reading). Values are good in themselves but every individual must have a hierarchy of values. Both individuals and societies are governed by values. In other words, everything we do is based on what we believe to be good, and what objectively is good. Personal values determine a person´s way of being, living and acting, just like social values determine a society´s way of being, acting and living. In the first reading, the wise man taking cognisance of the moral decadence of his time as a result of acquisition of wealth and realizing that his whole life depended not on his wealth goes in search of wisdom. He says, " I preferred her to scepters and thrones and I accounted wealth as nothing in comparison with her..." ( Wisdom 7:8). The wise man loves wisdom than health and beauty and he chooses to have her rather than light because her radiance never ceases( cf. v.10). Then he concludes that all things come along with her and in her hands unaccounted wealth (v. 11). Like the wise man, the psalmist implores God to help him number his days so that he may gain a wisdom of heart. The wisdom that the wise man is seeking for is presented to us in the second reading as alive and active namely the Word of God. This Word of God is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Before him, no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render account. In the gospel reading, we see a direct opposite of the wise man in the first reading. We see one who allowed the pleasures of the world to cloud his vision of true wisdom, Jesus Christ himself. Again, we find one who desires wealth and beauty to wisdom. There are many values, and they affect different areas of human existence (economic, cultural, moral and religious values). Faced with the variety of values, an order or hierarchy must be established. In a true hierarchy, religious values take the first place, followed by moral ones, cultural ones and finally economic values. Any changes to this hierarchy are detrimental to the human person, and ultimately to society. If we place the goods of this world (economic values) above following Christ, our "pockets" will be fuller, to the detriment of the human person and of Christian faith. If fitness and beauty are placed above moral values, society will have great athletes and slim bodies to the detriment of more deeply human values, like justice, honesty, loyalty, faithfulness, and the dignity of the human person. The attachment to riches is evil for man, because it prevents him from following Jesus Christ and placing God in his heart. I must emphasise that Jesus the wisdom of God gives meaning to our desire to possess material things when we place him first in all things. He assures Peter who represent a humanity asking Jesus what he will get having placed Jesus first in everything. Characteristics of the supreme value that Jesus the wisdom of God assures us of are: First of all, the supreme value gives meaning and fullness to all other values. Love for God as a supreme value is not opposed to valuing material goods, or those that have to do with health or beauty. God wants us to have what is necessary to live, he wants us to pay attention to our health and the beauty of our appearance. Seen in this light, material goods are not only economic values, nor are health and beauty purely human values, for they all acquire a fullness that they do not have in themselves: they are part of God´s plan for man. The Word of God and his authority are not in contrast with the authority and words of parents, educators or government leaders. Rather, the Word of God bestows upon them a strength and effectiveness that they do not have in themselves. Second, it is God who enlightens human intelligence to see which is the highest value in a range of values and how these values rank in relation to one another. On our own, without God´s enlightenment, we run the risk of building up mistaken hierarchies. This is why the first reading begins precisely in the following way: "And so I prayed, and understanding was given me; I entreated, and the spirit of Wisdom came to me." Third, the correct value always ends up rewarding both the individual and society with good fruits. "In her company all good things came to me," we are told in the Book of Wisdom. And Jesus replies to Peter, who represents the Twelve, "In truth I tell you, there is no one who has left his home, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children or land for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel who will not receive a hundred times as much... now in this present time and, in the world to come, eternal life." Wherever your value is, that is where your heart lies. The values that govern the life of a person or a society are very indicative. This is a reason for reflection in the light of our current social environment. In the statistics concerning the interest and values of citizens, what are the values of greatest interest and concern? Among many, it is health; in many others, work. Quite a few are also concerned with the environment. Then comes the everything else. Do we realize that in a correct scale of values these do not come first? On the contrary, such economic and practical values are at the bottom of the hierarchical pyramid. Now, wherever your values are, that is where your heart lies. In other words, your values are where you have placed your entire self (your intelligence, will, emotions and sensitivity). You are worth what your values are worth. If your main value is health, for which you sacrifice all other values, your human and Christian worth will be rather low. If your prevailing value is Jesus, then you elevate yourself to a great human and Christian level which will have repercussions on your moral life, your work, your family and even in the way you look after your health. Let us keep this clear: having God as a supreme value prevents us from despising other values. What is more, it commands us to value them, care for them, and seek them in an orderly fashion. Jesus as our supreme value is our greatest treasure. In sum, according to Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs which he presents in a form of a pyramid, at the base of the pyramid is what he calls, physiological needs ( food, health etc); followed by safety needs( shelter, security); belonging needs ( love, affection, sense of belonging ness); esteem needs ( self esteem and esteem from others); and self actualisation needs ( achieving one's highest potential). Maslow's presentation of the hierarchy of needs has no place for man's ultimate fulfillment in this life namely man's intimate relationship with his maker. That which was left out was provided by Viktor Frankl namely self- transcendence. This is exactly what Jesus invites us to today. He invites us to look beyond our selfish needs and have him; and be like him who though he was in the form of God did not count equality with God but emptied himself taking the form of a servant; offering his life for you and me. He teaches us that in our hierarchy of needs, he is the first and the last; without him, our life will have no meaning.

homily for the twenty-seventh sunday in ordinary Time, Year B

Homily for the Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B Genesis 2:18-24/ Psalm 128/Hebrews 2:9-11/Mark 10:2-16 THEME: Marriage is dignified The theme of marriage dominates this Sunday´s liturgy. On the one hand, there is Moses´ law which allows a man to dismiss his wife "on account of something ugly" (according to the interpretation, it could refer to infidelity between the spouses). On the other hand, Jesus goes back to the original law introduced in nature, according to which "a man leaves his father and mother, and the two become one flesh: (First Reading and Gospel). In the Second Reading, Jesus, the bridegroom of the Church, gives himself to her to the point of dying to purify and sanctify her with his blood. This way, he becomes the true prototype of spousal love. Marriage is man’s victory over loneliness. It is very moving to see how God, according to the Book of Genesis, is concerned with man´s loneliness. We understand that God did not create us to live in solitude, but in a relationship with others, in the company of others. The company of pets is good, it should not be criticized; but it is not enough. Adam gives each animal a name; this is meant to show that he exercises his dominion and control over them. But it is not enough. It is relationship based on dominion. It is unequal and does not afford the human being complete fulfillment or joy. The only full, satisfying and joyful relationship is a relationship with someone who is equal to him, "flesh of his flesh." It is the relationship proper to human beings. The highest degree of such a relationship is marriage between man and wife, whereby "they become one flesh." According to the teaching of the Church, marriage is primarily for companionship. However, marriage is not the only form of relationship or the only way to overcome loneliness. Friendship, companionship, the relationship between brothers in religion, etc. also overcome our loneliness. However, marriage and the family are natural institutions in which the victory over loneliness can achieve its highest level. Sometimes we hear people say about the Church’s teaching on the family and marriage, “The Church must modernize itself”, “The Church must bring itself up to date”, “The Church must keep up with society.” Also at this time there are movements in many different countries to redefine the family. In the gospel reading of today, we come to appreciate and understand how Long before the time of Jesus the Jews had “modernized” their understanding of marriage and the family and, to use the jargon of today, they had brought themselves up to date. They had introduced divorce. The discussion at the time of Jesus about modernizing was not about introducing divorce but about how liberal their divorce laws should be. The Pharisees asked Jesus (Mark 10:2-16) under what circumstances it would be okay for a man to divorce his wife, “Is it against the Law for a man to divorce his wife on any pretext whatever?” Jesus told them that divorce is not in God’s plan. He reminded them of God’s plan for marriage from the book of Genesis at the beginning of the Bible, “This is why a man leaves his father and mother and becomes attached to his wife, and the two become one flesh.” Then Jesus went on to say, “They are no longer two, therefore, but one flesh. So then, what God has united, man must not divide.” So at the time of Jesus the Jews had drifted away from God’s plan for marriage and the family, and Jesus reminded them again of God’s plan for the family. The Jews had modernized and brought themselves up to date and in doing so they had wandered from God’s plan. Notice that they did not even know they had drifted away from God’s plan for marriage and the family. Could we say the same about ourselves now? When Jesus pointed out how they had drifted from God’s plan they had a further question. Since divorce was already in Jewish law how did it happen that divorce which was contrary to God’s plan was already in Jewish law? Jesus replied, “It was because you were so hardhearted that Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but it was not like this from the beginning. Now I say this to you: anyone who divorces his wife…and marries another is guilty of adultery.” (Mark 10:10-12). When I hear people say things about the Church’s teaching on the family and marriage such, “The Church must modernize itself”, “The Church must bring itself up to date”, “The Church must keep up with society” I cannot but remember that at Jesus’ time the Jews were also discussing “modernizing” family life and Jesus told them they had wandered from God’s plan. He reminded them of God’s plan for the family. The mission of the Church is not to keep up with society; the mission of the Church is to do like Jesus, to remind people of God’s plan. And even if 10% or 20% or 90% of people wander away from God’s plan, we have compassion on them and want to help them in any way we can, but the Church cannot be unfaithful to God’s plan simply to be popular. The Church teaches that those who remarry civilly without having had their first marriage annulled or those who are in any sinful relationship may not receive Holy Communion as long as they are in that situation. This is because their lifestyle is a direct contradiction to the unity signified by the Eucharist, and people would be led into error and confusion about the Church’s teaching on the indissolubility of marriage. Everyone recognizes the difficulty and cross that exists in the lives of those in irregular situations and we want to lighten that burden in any way we can and show them compassion. For that reason a Vatican document states, “Pastors are called to help them experience the charity of Christ and the maternal closeness of the Church, receiving them with love, exhorting them to trust in God’s mercy and suggesting, with prudence and respect, concrete ways of conversion and participation in the life of the community of the Church.” (Congregation of the Doctrine of the faith Reception of Holy Communion by the divorced and remarried §2, 1994). When I hear people saying about the Church’s teaching on marriage and the family that the Church must modernize itself I ask them to consider what the Sacrament of Marriage really is. A sacrament is received not only for a certain length of time, but is received for life. The Sacrament of Marriage is for life unless nullity is shown which means there never was in fact a marriage. When a couple marry it is not just the couple getting married, it is three people entering into a union or covenant of love, the two spouses and Jesus. The Sacrament of Marriage is not just living together; it is much more beautiful, it is Jesus united with and blessing the couple. There are three people in the Sacrament of Marriage, the couple and Jesus. That is why the Sacrament of Marriage is for life, and not just for a time. So when people say that the Church must modernize I ask them to reflect on what the Sacrament of Marriage really is. Could it be that now, as at the time of Jesus, society has wandered from God’s plan and the Church like Jesus must remind society of God’s plan for marriage and the family? In sum, In his document on the Christian Family in the modern world (Familiaris Consortio #7), Blessed Pope John Paul II says, “... the Synod Fathers stressed the following, in particular: the spread of divorce and of recourse to a new union, even on the part of the faithful; the acceptance of purely civil marriage in contradiction to the vocation of the baptized to “ be married in the Lord”; the celebration of marriage sacrament without living faith, but for other motives; the rejection of the moral norms that guide and promote the human and Christian exercise of sexuality in marriage.” Indeed, the world is in the wrong when it comes to the dignity of marriage. Let us pray for a fresh understanding of what marriage is all about. Lessons • They had introduced divorce. The discussion at the time of Jesus about modernizing was not about introducing divorce but about how liberal their divorce laws should be. The Pharisees asked Jesus (Mark 10:2-16) under what circumstances it would be okay for a man to divorce his wife, “Is it against the Law for a man to divorce his wife on any pretext whatever?” • He reminded them of God’s plan for the family. The mission of the Church is not to keep up with society; the mission of the Church is to do like Jesus, to remind people of God’s plan • Your Marriage is a Covenant, not a contract, just as God continues to love us because of his Covenant with us. • Your Faith opens you to the grace of this Sacrament. • Marriage is man’s victory over loneliness.

Homily for twenty-eighth Sunday, yr B