Today’s epistle reading is from the letter to the Hebrews, chapter seven, verses 18 through 25.

For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.

And inasmuch as he was not made priest without an oath (for they have become priests without an oath, but he with an oath by him who said to him: “The Lord has sworn and will not relent, ‘You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek’ ”), by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant. Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. But he, because he continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore he is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

Today’s epistle reading makes it very clear that the Law by Christians is seen as weak and unprofitable, and it is incapable of perfecting anyone. St. John Chrysostom writes:

Was the Law, then, of no use? It was indeed of use, and of a great use, but to make humans perfect it was of no use. For in this respect (he says) the Law made nothing perfect. All were figures, all shadows: circumcision, sacrifice, sabbath. Therefore, they could not reach through the soul, and thus they pass away and gradually withdraw. But a better hope is introduced through which we draw near to God.

Today’s gospel reading is from St. Mark, chapter 10, verses 23 through 32.

Then Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.”

Then Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left all and followed you.” So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for my sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid. Then he took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to him.

About today’s gospel reading, St. John Cassian writes:

For he who, for the sake of Christ’s name, distances himself from his particular beloved father or mother or child and gives himself over to the purest love of all, who serve Christ, will receive a hundred times the measure of brothers and kinsfolk. Instead of but one, he will begin to have so many fathers and brothers bound to him by a still more fervent and admirable affection. That this is so you can prove by your own experience, since you have each left but one father and mother and home, and as you have done so, you have gained without any effort or care countless fathers and mothers and brothers, as well as houses and lands and most faithful servants, in any part of the world to which you go, who receive you as their own family and welcome and respect and take care of you with the utmost attention.

Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us: to him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.