Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
Jesus' meeting with the rich young man ended sadly for both parties. He invited the lad to join the august assembly of disciples and apostles. All ages to come would celebrate his courage and integrity. Children of every age would fantasize about walking with him and Jesus on the dusty road to Jerusalem.
But this young man loved his immediate status, privileges and comforts. Enamored of the fictitious world of wealth, which can vanish in the twinkling of an eye, he could not throw it off in pursuit of real adventure, much less in a quest for personal authenticity.
Jesus offered something that was very practical, realistic and doable. Standing before this young man was a band of disciples, men and women, who were already satisfied and grateful for the choice.
Some people, hearing this story, may suppose, "I would not do that either!" But they are obviously not called to walk to Jerusalem in first century Palestine. That happened twenty centuries ago. It's not doable anymore!
Rather, the Lord calls each us today to follow the Way which his Spirit reveals to us; we must discern what the Lord asks of us today. It may be challenging, even breath-taking, but it's not unimaginable. Each of us stands before the gate, we have only to step forward.
For most people hearing this gospel on this particular Monday morning, the invitation may be something like, "Keep doing what you're doing." In which case we apply ourselves with renewed energy to the familiar challenges that lie ahead. Aware of the past and ready for the future we attend the immediate moment with intelligence, creativity and a willing spirit.
Our first reading this morning told how "the children of Israel" continually reverted back to their old ways following each redemptive act of God. Oppressed by Canaanites and Philistines, they would call on God for help. But, no sooner would God act to save them than they would return to the worship of heathen gods ("Baal and the Ashtaroth") and to more familiar heathen customs. They seemed reluctant to learn a godly way of life amid an ungodly people.
Jesus' meeting with the rich young man ended sadly for both parties. He invited the lad to join the august assembly of disciples and apostles. All ages to come would celebrate his courage and integrity. Children of every age would fantasize about walking with him and Jesus on the dusty road to Jerusalem.
But this young man loved his immediate status, privileges and comforts. Enamored of the fictitious world of wealth, which can vanish in the twinkling of an eye, he could not throw it off in pursuit of real adventure, much less in a quest for personal authenticity.
Jesus offered something that was very practical, realistic and doable. Standing before this young man was a band of disciples, men and women, who were already satisfied and grateful for the choice.
Some people, hearing this story, may suppose, "I would not do that either!" But they are obviously not called to walk to Jerusalem in first century Palestine. That happened twenty centuries ago. It's not doable anymore!
Rather, the Lord calls each us today to follow the Way which his Spirit reveals to us; we must discern what the Lord asks of us today. It may be challenging, even breath-taking, but it's not unimaginable. Each of us stands before the gate, we have only to step forward.
For most people hearing this gospel on this particular Monday morning, the invitation may be something like, "Keep doing what you're doing." In which case we apply ourselves with renewed energy to the familiar challenges that lie ahead. Aware of the past and ready for the future we attend the immediate moment with intelligence, creativity and a willing spirit.
Our first reading this morning told how "the children of Israel" continually reverted back to their old ways following each redemptive act of God. Oppressed by Canaanites and Philistines, they would call on God for help. But, no sooner would God act to save them than they would return to the worship of heathen gods ("Baal and the Ashtaroth") and to more familiar heathen customs. They seemed reluctant to learn a godly way of life amid an ungodly people.
Even when the LORD raised up judges to deliver them from the power of their despoilers, they did not listen to their judges, but abandoned themselves to the worship of other gods.This sad story from the Book of Judges must remind us that it is not, never was, never will be, and never should be easy to follow the path of Jesus. Anyone who thinks it should be only makes it more difficult for himself and the rest of us. Rather, we show up on this Monday morning, after a weekend that should have been refreshing, and say, "Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.