Gospel Reflection for Sunday, October 13, 2024 – 28th Sunday Ordinary Time

Sunday Readings: Wisdom 7.7-11; Hebrews 4.12-13; Mark 10.17-27

The rich young man said to Jesus, “Ever since I was a child, I have obeyed all these commandments.” Jesus looked at him and loved him, and said to him, “You need to do only one thing more. Go and sell what you have and give to the poor. You will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this, he felt sad and he went away, for he had many possessions (Mark 10.20-22).

Anyone wanting to do “one thing more” can listen in as bishops and lay delegates from around the globe gather in Synod in Rome this month. Participants envision the future together in hope and lament.

Many bring to the conversations the pain of people who are poor and lack basics—food, water, shelter, education, medical care. Some bring the shame LGBTQ folks and families feel when parish homilies condemn them. Others testify to the love same-sex relationships bring into their families and communities. Many women do the work of deacons, preaching and teaching the gospels and serving their neighbors but cannot be ordained despite the service and presence of women from the beginning among Jesus’ circle of disciples in the gospels.  

I read David Brooks opinion piece in the New York Times recently. He looks to religious progressives to do the work of cultural repair, “to build a modern social gospel around love of neighbor and hospitality for the marginalized” (July 11, 2024).  I teared up because this is our mission as Sisters of St. Joseph “to love God and neighbor without distinction.” Jesus identified these as the two great commandments. In 1650, our religious community took to the streets and lived among the poor rather than in monasteries or cloisters. We aim to build communities of love. For us and for many the word neighbor is a verb. There is always more to do.

• What is “one thing more” you feel an urge to do?