Word to the Wise
Monday, May 28, 2007 - Monday in the Eighth Week of Ordinary Time
[Sirach 17:20-24 and Mark 10:17-27]Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, "You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven: then come, follow me." At that statement, his face fell, and we went away sad, for he had many possessions.
This incident is the occasion for Jesus to reflect on the problem of possessions and their place in the life of a disciple. The young man wanted his cake and eat it too. He wanted "perfection" but was unwilling to do what it required. There's no question that he was living a good life but he wanted something more without giving up anything that he had. The incident is repeated time and time again in pastoral life. Folks want something "more" but don't want to do with "less" in another area of life. The Lord says we have to be willing to remove obstacles which may be in the form of some very good things. It's worthwhile to think carefully about this story and then look at our own lives. Would the Lord's challenge send us away sad? AMEN