THE RICH YOUNG MAN (MK 10:17)
Prayer:
Come, Holy Spirit. Let me sacrifice everything to follow Jesus.
Imagination:
Picture the young man asking Jesus about eternal life.
Context:
The gospel begins “As Jesus set out”. This sets the scene. Jesus is on a journey. A man “kneels down.” This shows great piety and he truly wants eternal life. Jesus makes the goal more definite. To gain eternal life, Jesus invites him “to follow”. Since Jesus is on a journey, worldly possessions are an obstacle. To follow, he “must sell what you have.”
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
As Jesus set out, a certain man ran up, knelt before Jesus and asked him, “Good Master, what shall I do to gain everlasting life?” Jesus answered, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.” You know the commandments, “Do not commit adultery. Do not kill. Do not steal. Do not bear false witness. Do not defraud. Honor your father and your mother.” He answered, “Master, I have observed all these things since my youth.”
Jesus, looking on him, loved him and said, “One thing is lacking to you. Go, sell whatever your have and give to the poor and you shall have treasure in heaven. Then, come follow me.” Upon hearing this, the man grew sad and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)
- The story begins with great hope. The man asks a fervent question, recounts a history of good moral behavior and seeks eternal life.
- Seeing all this, Jesus looks upon him with love.
- Jesus goes further and offers his greatest gift. He invites the man to follow.
- Jesus even motivates the man. He will have treasure in heaven.
- Instead of following Jesus, he turns back. His possessions are his stumbling block.
- We will all meet him at the Last Judgment and discover the end of the story.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- Jesus, what more do I need to do to gain eternal life?
- Jesus, you love all my efforts. You do not want me to fail.
- You bless me and invite me higher. You stir within and lead me further.
- O Jesus, what are my possessions compared to the treasures in heaven?
- What do you want me to set aside?
- Jesus, to turn away from you is emptiness. To follow you is fullness.
- I will leave all behind. Wait for me, Jesus!
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ Today, I will ask Jesus, ‘Lord, what must I do to gain eternal life?”
+ I will help the poor.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
Sell all and give to the poor. Your treasure in heaven will be great.