steal, do not bear false witness, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “I have kept
all these commandments, what is still lacking?” Jesus answered, “If you wish to be perfect, go and sell all that you possess and
give the money to the poor and you will become the owner of a treasure in heaven. Then come back and follow me.” On hearing this answer,
the young man went away sad for he was a man of great wealth.
Reflection:
There are some of us who are already advanced in our following of the Lord.
We are obedient and faithful. However, one thing is lacking. We do not yet make
the leap of giving our life all for God, that is, for Him to mold and shape it according
to His will. This takes a lot of courage. For to be God’s own is to be broken and
remade again in His image and likeness. This does not only need an obedient and
faithful heart. It also needs tremendous courage. Thus the young man in today’s
gospel is already assured of God’s friendship. He lives a life of holiness in obedience
to God’s commands. Thus Jesus invites him to a higher reality of life. He is invited to
become perfect in poverty, chastity and obedience to God’s will. Apparently the
young man is not yet on that level to comply. He turned away sad knowing
that there is a doorway that God opened for him but he refused entry.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2021