The Demands of Discipleship and the Pursuit of Wisdom
Homily for the Twenty-eight Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch Bible Readings: Wisdom 7:7-11; Hebrews 4:12-13; Mark 10:17-30 The liturgical readings for this 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time bring to light two essential themes: the demands of discipleship and the pursuit of wisdom. They invite us to reflect on the cost of truly following Jesus and the value of wisdom that leads to eternal life. The readings challenge us to ask ourselves: What are we willing to let go of to gain Christ, and how can we live wisely in a world that often promotes a different set of values? The first reading from the Book of Wisdom (Wisdom 7:7-11) provides a foundation for understanding the pursuit of wisdom. Solomon prayed and received the gift of wisdom, which he regarded as more valuable than wealth, power, and even health. He exclaimed, “I preferred her to scepter and throne, and deemed riches nothing in comparison with her” (Wisdom 7:8). This wisdom is not mere intellectual knowledg