5 September 2027 · Syro-Malankara Rite
Open in the Daily Word appAlso: മലയാളം
“He replied, “What is impossible for mortals is possible for God.”” Luke 18:27
A ruler asks Jesus: “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He has kept the commandments since his youth. Jesus looks at him and says: “There is still one thing lacking. Sell all that you own and distribute the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” The man becomes sad, “for he was very rich.” He was good, but something still held his heart.
Jesus says: “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle.” The disciples are shocked: “Then who can be saved?” Jesus answers: “What is impossible for mortals is possible for God.” Salvation is never our achievement; it is God's gift. Only grace can loosen the grip of riches on the human heart.
Peter says: “Look, we have left our homes and followed you.” Jesus promises that no one who has left house or family for the kingdom will fail to receive very much more in this age, and eternal life in the age to come. Following Christ is not loss but gain. The Letter to the Hebrews says: keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).
In the evening Gospel Jesus tells his disciples “to pray always and not to lose heart”, with the parable of the widow who keeps coming to the unjust judge. Moses, too, lay before the Lord forty days and nights, interceding for the people. Isaiah brings the answer of God: “Comfort, O comfort my people… He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms.” The God who makes the impossible possible also hears the persistent cry of his children.
Theme: “Possible for God.”
Jesus urges us to pray always and not lose heart. A rich ruler goes away sad, unable to let go of his wealth, and Jesus says: what is impossible for mortals is possible for God. The Lord who comforts his people never forsakes us.
“I prayed to the LORD and said, “Lord GOD, do not destroy the people who are your very own possession, whom you redeemed in your greatness, whom you brought out of Egypt with a mighty hand.”” Deuteronomy 9:26
“And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them?” Luke 18:7
Apply: Choose one intention you have stopped praying for, and take it up again daily.
“Is anything too wonderful for the LORD? At the set time I will return to you, in due season, and Sarah shall have a son.” Genesis 18:14
“He replied, “What is impossible for mortals is possible for God.”” Luke 18:27
Apply: Name one attachment that holds you back from God, and loosen it by an act of generosity.
“He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep.” Isaiah 40:11
“Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”” Hebrews 13:5
Apply: Thank God each night this week for three things you already have.
Prayer that perseveres, hearts set free, and trust in the Shepherd: this is the way to the kingdom.
With God, all things are possible.
Take-home resolution: Prepare for the feast of the Holy Cross on Tuesday with a good confession.
Dear brothers and sisters, a rich ruler came to Jesus and asked: “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He had kept the commandments since his youth. He was a good man. Jesus looked at him and said: “There is still one thing lacking. Sell all that you own and give to the poor, and come, follow me.” And the man went away sad, because he was very rich.
Each of us has a “one thing”. It may be money, a career, a relationship, a habit, our reputation. Something we hold so tightly that we cannot follow Jesus with an open hand. Jesus is not against wealth as such; he is against wealth that owns us.
The disciples asked: “Then who can be saved?” And Jesus gave the answer that is our hope: “What is impossible for mortals is possible for God.” We cannot free ourselves; God can. And he promises that whoever leaves something for the kingdom will receive much more, in this life and eternal life to come. The Letter to the Hebrews says: “I will never leave you or forsake you.”
In the evening Gospel Jesus told us to pray always and not lose heart. Today, in prayer, ask the Lord: what is my one thing? And ask him to do the impossible: to set your heart free. On Tuesday we celebrate the Holy Cross, where Jesus gave everything for us. Let us learn from him to give. Amen.
Children, a rich man asked Jesus how to go to heaven. Jesus said: share your things with the poor and follow me. But the man loved his money too much and went away sad.
Jesus said it is hard for rich people to enter heaven, as hard as a camel going through the hole of a needle!
But with God everything is possible! Let's ask Jesus to help us share our toys and things with others.
Lord Jesus, you looked with love on the rich young man and called him to follow you. Free our hearts from all that holds us back; make us generous to the poor; teach us to pray always without losing heart; and do in us what is impossible for us, by the power of your grace. Amen.