There are lots of things that have been weighing in on my mind lately. Not just issues regarding the direction of the parish, the pains and aches of the individuals who come to me for counseling and direction, but also the present and future state of the Universal Church, wounded, traumatized, and scandalized by division and sin. The question I have for the Lord when I go into prayer somewhat reflects that of the rich young man in today’s gospel. “Good master, what must we do…?” I guess it would be the same question that many of you would ask the Lord if you had the chance.
The gospel teaches us important lessons in the story of the rich young man. The story, I’m afraid, ends on a sad note. His persistence in pressing the Lord for an answer would eventually lead him to one that he did not bargain for. The answer would require a price too heavy to be paid; a cost he was unwilling to bear.
Having faith in the Lord and following Him along the path of holiness is not going to be easy. Jesus challenges us to match deeds to our words. The temptation to walk away from Christ is great, and many have done so. Today, the Lord throws us the challenge once again, ‘sell everything, take up your cross and follow me!’ We must risk giving up every false security, our comfort zones, and our complacent self-satisfaction with the status quo. Will you choose to walk away like the rich young man or stand your ground and accept the challenge of the cross? This may seem to be a tall order, but remember, "For human beings it (may seem) impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God."
The gospel teaches us important lessons in the story of the rich young man. The story, I’m afraid, ends on a sad note. His persistence in pressing the Lord for an answer would eventually lead him to one that he did not bargain for. The answer would require a price too heavy to be paid; a cost he was unwilling to bear.
Having faith in the Lord and following Him along the path of holiness is not going to be easy. Jesus challenges us to match deeds to our words. The temptation to walk away from Christ is great, and many have done so. Today, the Lord throws us the challenge once again, ‘sell everything, take up your cross and follow me!’ We must risk giving up every false security, our comfort zones, and our complacent self-satisfaction with the status quo. Will you choose to walk away like the rich young man or stand your ground and accept the challenge of the cross? This may seem to be a tall order, but remember, "For human beings it (may seem) impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God."
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