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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider He had many possessions

He had many possessions

Published Aug 18, 2024 04:02 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Gird your loins

Self-fulfillment does not consist in having material possessions. At times, we might think that we can find fulfillment in material possessions while tending to self-appropriate them selfishly. The fact is, we cannot possess eternal life; we may enter into it. We do not own eternal life; it is shared to us by Jesus. Jesus is inviting us to enter into it. Further, he is challenging us to experience being complete by detaching ourselves from any enslavement to material possessions. 


In today’s Gospel, a young and rich man approaches Jesus, asking him how one may possess eternal life. Jesus’ answer is corrective of the mentality of the rich man. Jesus is telling him that eternal life is something that is not to be possessed. It can only be entered into. It is a relationship where one may experience fulfillment and completeness. Jesus challenges the man to be detached from his enslavement to material possessions (ktēmata). This is the same challenge that Jesus poses to us now.

 

First Reading • Ez 24:15-23

The word of the Lord came to me: Son of man, by a sudden blow I am taking away from you the delight of your eyes, but do not mourn or weep or shed any tears. Groan in silence, make no lament for the dead, bind on your turban, put your sandals on your feet, do not cover your beard, and do not eat the customary bread. That evening my wife died, and the next morning I did as I had been commanded. Then the people asked me, “Will you not tell us what all these things that you are doing mean for us?” I therefore spoke to the people that morning, saying to them: Thus the word of the Lord came to me: Say to the house of Israel: Thus says the Lord God: I will now desecrate my sanctuary, the stronghold of your pride, the delight of your eyes, the desire of your soul. The sons and daughters you left behind shall fall by the sword. Ezekiel shall be a sign for you: all that he did you shall do when it happens. Thus you shall know that I am the Lord. You shall do as I have done, not covering your beards nor eating the customary bread. Your turbans shall remain on your heads, your sandals on your feet. You shall not mourn or weep, but you shall rot away because of your sins and groan one to another.

 

Responsorial Psalm • Dt 32 
“You have forgotten God who gave you birth.”

 

Gospel • 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.

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].

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