Year B, Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost
October 13, 2024
Job 23:19, 16-17, Psalm 22:1-15 Hebrews 4:12-16, Mark 10:17-31
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“Treasures of the Heart”
The Very Rev. Kathleen Murray, Rector
Historic Beckford Parish, Mt. Jackson & Woodstock
21st Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 23, Year B) – Emmanuel Episcopal Church
October 13, 2024
The Gospel today tells us of a man who comes to Jesus, yearning for something more than the material comforts he possesses. He’s searching for eternal life but is unwilling to let go of his wealth and the security it provides. Jesus challenges him to release his grip on worldly things, inviting him instead to embrace a life of generosity and spiritual freedom. It’s a story that calls each of us to examine our own lives and ask: What truly sustains us? What is it that we will be remembered for?
Today, as we gather to remember Kent Miller, these questions feel especially resonant. Kent was someone who didn’t seek the riches of this world. Instead, he found wealth in the relationships he nurtured, the kindness he shared, and the gentle spirit that was so much a part of him. Kent’s life reminds us that the most genuine treasures are found not in what we own but in who we are and how we love.
Kent spoke of his uncle Wock, who he believed visited him after death. Wock had known great wealth and instead chose to live simply, focusing on helping others rather than accumulating material wealth. Kent shared that he felt Wock’s presence deeply, twice waking from sleep to find himself filled with an inexplicable sense of comfort and connection. In a way, these visits from Wock remind us of the enduring connection between the living and the dead, of the way that love reaches across boundaries that even death cannot sever.
Like Miguel in Coco, who journeys into the Land of the Dead to reconnect with his ancestors, Kent felt the presence of his uncle, keeping Wock’s memory alive in his own, unique way. But today, we aren’t just here to remember Wock. We are here to remember Kent—Kent, whose gentle presence and quiet wonder left a mark on all of us – Kent, who found joy in the simple things and lived a life filled with compassion and curiosity.
Kent’s sense of wonder resonates deeply with the Gospel message. Jesus tells the man in the Gospel that he must let go of his possessions to find eternal life, but this isn’t just about giving up material things. It’s about embracing a different kind of wealth, not measured in dollars or possessions, but in love, connection, and a sense of purpose. Kent embodied this kind of wealth. He took the time to truly see people, listen, and appreciate the beauty of the world around him. He lived with an open heart and left an imprint on our lives that will not be forgotten.
In our conversations, Kent often expressed his gratitude for the people around him, the community he found here, and the simple moments of grace he experienced. He didn’t need to be the center of attention or to have the latest gadgets or the biggest house. Instead, he found his richness in the relationships he built, the kindness he shared, and the sense of peace he cultivated in his heart.
This kind of life rooted in simplicity, gratitude, and love is a powerful testament to the Gospel message. When Jesus calls the man to sell all he owns, he’s not asking him to be poor for the sake of being poor. He’s inviting him to a life of greater freedom and fulfillment, a life where he can invest not in things that fade away but in treasures that last. Kent’s life reminds us of this invitation. He was rich in friendships and the sense of wonder he brought to every moment.
Kent had a way of seeing the world that was both gentle and profound. He found beauty in the every day, and he had a knack for noticing the things that others might overlook. He shared this gift with those of us who were lucky enough to know him, and it’s a legacy he leaves behind. As we remember Kent today, let us carry forward his sense of wonder and appreciation for the simple things. Let us honor his memory by living with open hearts and hands, finding joy in the little moments, and showing kindness to those around us.
In remembering Kent, we are also reminded of the importance of memory itself. Coco teaches us that as long as we remember the people we love, they will remain with us. In the film, Miguel learns that the dead live on through the memories and love of their family. Kent understood this well. His connection to Wock wasn’t just about a few visits from beyond; it was about carrying forward the legacy of someone who mattered to him and showed him the value of living a life of service and humility. Kent now becomes part of that legacy, someone we will remember and carry in our hearts.
We will miss Kent’s gentle presence, quiet wisdom, and sense of wonder. But we know that he is not truly gone. He lives on in the stories we share, the memories we hold, and the love he gave so freely. Just as Wock’s spirit brought Kent a sense of peace, we trust that Kent’s spirit will continue to bring us comfort and inspiration in the days to come.
Jesus’ message to the rich man is ultimately one of hope. It reminds us that our lives are not defined by what we own but by how we live and love. Kent understood this, and he lived in a way that reflected it. As we remember him today, let us also remember that each of us has the power to live a life of meaning, to embrace the love and generosity that Jesus calls us to, and to find our true wealth in the things that last: in kindness, in gratitude, and in the relationships that sustain us.
May we honor Kent’s memory by living in a way that reflects the values he held dear. Let us remember that, like Kent, we are called to live with open hearts, to cherish the people around us, and to seek out the beauty and wonder that fills our world. Kent may no longer be with us in body, but his spirit will always be a part of our lives, a gentle presence reminding us of what truly matters. And as we hold him in our hearts, we find that we are not alone. For in remembering Kent, we draw closer to the God who keeps us all, in life and death, and invites us into eternal love. Amen.