When people hit the lottery for millions of dollars we often hear them say their lives are not going to change. They will continue to work and to use their money for some good things. But in reality you have to wonder if that is true. I have known a few people over the years who have been lucky and their lives do indeed change. Some for the good and some otherwise.
I think the difference is that some people have acquired wisdom in their lives – knowing what is most valuable and making good decisions. And I think that theme runs throughout both the first, the responsorial psalm, and the gospel reading today. In the first reading from the Book of Wisdom the author says that He prayed for wisdom and the riches of life came to him. The riches he refers to have nothing to do with money but with what enhances life, what endures forever, what brings us the most out of life.
The responsorial psalm also begins with a plea, asking God to teach the psalmist wisdom of heart. He defines that wisdom in terms of God’s gracious care for us and the prosperity of gladness and happiness.
Finally in the Gospel reading the rich young man comes before Jesus and asks what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus in His wisdom recognizes that the young man’s wealth is standing in the way. The young man is offered wisdom and eternal life but he has a major stumbling block. His money is not his stumbling block, but rather his attitude toward it. His face falls when Jesus suggests that he let go of his wealth and come and follow Jesus.
Wisdom in life for all of us is the ability to put God first in our lives. It is so easy for us to let other things get in the way: simple things like worry or grudges, fears and anger. But Jesus urges us today to relinquish all that stands in the way of our relationship with God. To ask him to teach us that wisdom and to hold onto the riches of His love and mercy. Then one day we will all have immeasurable treasures in heaven.