Word to the Wise
Monday, August 20, 2007 - St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Abbot and Doctor of the Church
[Judges 2:11-19 and Matthew 19:16-22]"Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?"
There is no question that the young man who asks this question of Jesus is sincere. He is also typical of many a young person on the road to "success." He has many possessions and he has strong faith. He has lived up to the commandments. If he continues on this way, Jesus assures him he will "live." Yet this young person has a feeling that there is "more" to life than this "good enough." Jesus agrees and offers a challenge that the young person doesn't expect. Jesus tells him that the "more" means doing with "less" in the material sense. The reaction of the young person is sadness. Although, traditionally, this text has been used to promote vocations to religious life and/or priesthood, it applies to us all. It is one more challenge to discipleship. There IS a level of discipleship that is "good enough." There is also a "more" that Jesus speaks well of. We should be careful of the word, "perfect," in this text because it does not mean some kind of ethereal, glow-in-the-dark, state of being. Disciples will fall many times in their efforts to live out the challenge of Jesus. The first scripture today from Judges shows how the Chosen People strayed time and again. The word, "possessions," also should be understood in our time as not only material possessions but attitudes and prejudices that are obstacles to the love of God and neighbor. Some folks will gladly give up property but not their grudges! The difference between "good enough" and "perfect" is enough to sadden a well-intentioned and sincere young man. No doubt it would not attract a multitude who even consider the "good enough" too demanding. But if you are at the point on the "road to success" where you are asking the question: "Is this all there is?" Jesus has a response to that question. AMEN
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