A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mt 19:16-22
A young man approached Jesus and said,“Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?”He answered him, “Why do you ask me about the good?There is only One who is good.If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.”He asked him, “Which ones?”And Jesus replied, “You shall not kill;you shall not commit adultery;you shall not steal;you shall not bear false witness;honor your father and your mother;and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”The young man said to him,“All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?”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.
REFLECTION
“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.”
Speaking to Jesus always takes you to a higher level. The young man began with "doing good" and Jesus answers that there is only one good and that is God. He was to do good by keeping the commandments and doing good is based on God.
Jesus, at the slightest inquiry, talks with and engages the young man. Can you imagine Jesus gazing and looking upon you with tenderness, inviting you to follow Him and give up all your riches.
Complete detachment of material goods is necessary to become spiritually rich. Jesus gave him the best plan, but the rich man was not ready to follow Him.
How will we respond when Jesus answers our questions by taking us to another level? God wants us with Him and He will tell you how to do it. Listen and completely trust in what He tells you. What a wonderful encounter with God!
Hopefully when He takes us to another level, we will not be indifferent but one way or another pick the right choice. Because the choice He gives you will be the best for your state of life and it will bring you great joy and peace.
