God promises to provide a “level road so that none shall stumble.” What stumbling blocks do I experience on my spiritual journey? Do I believe that God longs to remove them?

Do I believe we can make suffering redemptive? Is it possible to transform our pain into something useful to others, something that will last beyond ourselves?

God provides all that we need. The first reading says if we choose wisdom, all other riches come to us. The second reading says God’s word is living and effective. The gospel tells the familiar story of the rich young man.

The original covenant of love was initiated by God. God made that covenant with our spiritual ancestors and commits to that covenant with each one of us today. Commitments and relationships and connections are at the heart of the questions posed in this week’s readings.

During ordinary time we get exposed to lessons in discipleship. The lesson this week includes a warning against spiritual jealousy.

The Letter of Saint James says the wisdom from above manifests itself as pure, but who among us has totally pure motives for anything we do? The apostles sure didn’t, as they tried to elbow each other out of first place as greatest among Jesus’ followers.

To follow Jesus involves self-denial.

Is there anyone whose heart is not frightened at some time or another? Thus, the Lord’s message in Isaiah is directed to all of us. When we encounter Jesus, we will experience vindication and recompense.

Jesus has no tolerance for lip service. Pure hands are nothing compared with pure hearts in his eyes.

We touch upon several great moments of truth in the readings today. Joshua commands the Israelites: “Decide today whom you will serve,” and they chose the Lord.