The Book of Wisdom, where our 1st reading comes from is credited to King Solomon. One of the few very wise Kings from the Old Testament times. And in today’s passage we hear him praying to God for the gift of wisdom, God’s divine presence and guidance. King Solomon values wisdom for more than his royal power, and wealth of any kind. Not only material riches, but physical beauty and well-being pale in comparison to the riches of wisdom. Unlike knowledge, which is a human trait and learned, and can be used for good or bad; wisdom is a gift from God and leads to holiness.
The rich man in today’s Gospel was obviously lacking in wisdom. He valued his wealth above anything else. Jesus offered to make him a disciple, telling him to sell his possessions, give it to the poor, and follow him. But the man could not. Jesus uses him as an example to teach us. “Children how hard it is to enter the Kingdom of God. It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle, than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” By using the word “rich,” Jesus doesn’t just mean wealthy, however, but one who clings to his possessions, no matter how large or small, those possessions may be. Some people may be wealthy without clinging to their goods; willing to share what they have. Likewise, people may be poor, yet unwilling to share what little they have with those even less fortunate.
Throughout the history of the Church, many men and women have taken the words of Jesus literally, by renouncing worldly goods, with a vow of poverty. St. Francis of Assisi left his parents, a comfortable home, and a promising career in order to dedicate himself completely to the service of God. This was indeed, a very special call by God; but God doesn’t issue the same call to everyone. Some, are called to a life of religious service. Others are called to help in more subtle ways, from their homes, from their jobs, everyone has a special function to perform in society, and God grants all the graces necessary to perform each ones calling. What’s important to remember however, is that money is not man’s ultimate goal. If we have wealth, we should be willing to share. Our true wealth consists in the wise use of the gifts that God has given us. God has given each one of us a fair portion of wisdom and he expects us to use it.