A READING FROM MARK
21Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” 22When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.
MESSAGE IN A PARAGRAPH OR TWO
The rich young man claimed that he observed the Jewish law. Maybe he did. But according to scripture, that might be an exaggeration. But Jesus didn’t press the issue and accepted his answer.
But the point Jesus wanted to impress on the rich young man was that Jesus was calling the man to follow him. And what prevented the man from doing that? He had a great deal of stuff that was more important to him than following Jesus.
Following Jesus means to share faith with others, to love and forgive, and to care for those in need. So, we ask ourselves, if not our stuff, what prevents us from following Jesus? What do I need to put aside or back on my priorities list to answer the call of Jesus. Why? Because he has given us the gifts of love, grace, and eternal life.