In life, there are generally two types of problems.
The first is whether the problem can be solved with money.
If the problem can be solved with money, then it isn’t really a problem.
The second can be a difficult problem when money is not the solution, or when the cost of solving the problem is at too exorbitant price.
In the 1st reading, the problem for the people of God was their arch-enemy, the Assyrians, who have rampaged them and caused much destruction.
No amount of money can stop the Assyrians, and so there was no solution to their problem.
But God tells His people that He is their solution, and that He will deliver them from their enemy and they will have peace.
In the gospel, Jesus reminds us that all the money in the world cannot be exchanged for our life.
But when we take up our cross and follow Jesus, then we will know how to live our life here on earth and also have eternal life in heaven.
And that kind of life, no money can ever buy.