about what is good?” Only one is Good. If you want to enter eternal life, keep the
commandments.” The young man said, “Which commandments?” Jesus replied, “Do
not kill, do not commit adultery, do not 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.
Reflect
The last line of today’s Gospel is one of the saddest lines in Scripture. This young man
who had spent his entire life trying to live by God’s commandments and who longed for
eternal life, walks away from Jesus sad because he chose his wealth and possessions
over the ultimate good.
What makes us turn away from Jesus? Like the young man in the Gospel, our
possessions and money may distract us. But there are other things as well that
can pull us away from the path of discipleship. It may be a job or a hobby. It may be
an addiction or an indulgent lifestyle. It could be sinful habits like pride or envy or
a tendency to judge others. All of these can cause us to turn away from God.
The life of a disciple calls for ongoing conversion. Each day we try to leave behind
our sinful behavior and turn toward God once again. Unlike the young man, let us
follow Jesus in joy.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023
