When we read the same story in the Gospel of Mark, we are told the man is rich and he is a ruler. In other words, he is in a position of authority and quite wealthy. He possesses many things and now he wants to possess eternal life. The young man is keen to be on the right side; he has done all things well but he feels something is still lacking. Jesus knows the one thing he lacks — detachment of heart. To possess this is the way to enter into eternal life, according to Jesus.
The trouble with the young man is that he possesses many things that the world portrays as good, yet is far from God. But God is still pleased with him — he keeps the commandments, is a good person, morally and civilly. You might say that his possessions are controlling him rather than he being in control of his possessions.
Notice the man’s response. Jesus gives him the answer to his question, yet he walks away sad. Does this mean he is not willing to give up his possessions? On the other hand, does he now realize what kind of a stronghold he has with these material possessions? Why is he sad? Shouldn’t he be rejoicing at having found the answer to life? Matthew tells us that he left the presence of Jesus in sadness because his possessions were many. Perhaps he was not willing to give them away. Perhaps there were too many to give away.
Do you want to enter eternal life? Perhaps like the young man in the Gospel, you are doing all the right things. You keep the commandments, you act in charity, you love the Lord, but what is the one thing you lack? What is your possession? What is the one thing you will not give away, because if you do you will fear being sad? Jesus is telling us to be detached. The very thing that holds us is possessing us to the point that we do not want to let it go. Yes, it will be hard to let go but we must understand the joy and liberation we will have once we are detached. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL
Reflection Question:
What are my possessions? What are the things I hold dear and find hard to let go?
Lord, I rejoice in the gift of eternal life given me. Help me to live, as You want me to, holding nothing back but surrendering all things to You. Amen.
St. Beatrix da Silva, pray for us.
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