REFLECTIONS TODAY
To Jesus’ reference to the commandments in the Decalogue, the rich man responds, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth” (v 20). Does the man feel that he still has to do more to inherit “eternal life” (v 17)—a life pleasing to God and that lasts beyond his earthly existence? His adherence to the commandments makes him “righteous” in the perspective of the Mosaic Law and before God. Yet, because Jesus “loved him” (v 21), Jesus challenges him to go beyond some kind of transactional idea of obedience that merits reward. Jesus tells him to move out of this “comfort zone”—that his possessions bring him happiness and the assurance that God blesses him. Jesus asks him to let go of this treasure of his heart.
The secret to true happiness is to have faith and to rely in the “good” God who provides for his children. “Eternal life” begins when a person makes God and his Kingdom his or her own priority. Jesus says, “Seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides” (Mt 6:33). God will provide food and drink and clothes to wear over which people worry so much.
What would have happened if the man had sold his possessions to be free to follow Jesus? He would certainly have struggled at the start, but his heart would be filled with joy, the joy that the world cannot give—the joy of the Apostles, of St. Paul, of St. Francis of Assisi, of St. Teresa of Kolkata, and so many others.
“The joy of the gospel,” writes Pope Francis, “fills the hearts and lives of all who encounter Jesus. Those who accept his offer of salvation are set free from sin, sorrow, inner emptiness and loneliness” (Evangelii Gaudium, 1).
Responsorial Psalm • Psalm 111
“The Lord will remember his covenant forever.” or “Alleluia.”
Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.