Word to the Wise
Monday, May 23, 2016 - Monday in the 8th Week in Ordinary Time
[1 Pet 1:3-9 and Mark 10:17-27]MONDAY,MAY 23, 2016. MONDAY IN THE EIGHTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME [1 Peter 1:3-9 and Mark 10:17-27] "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" The man who asks this question senses that even though he has been a faithful Jew something was missing from his life. Jesus saw the integrity and sincerity in his question. We are told: "Jesus, looking at him, loved him..." But then came the gentle but tough advice: "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." This is not what the man was expecting. He had kept the rules and he was also wealthy. Jesus tells him that the very thing he thought was a great blessing is actually an obstacle to his finding that "more" in his life. Although this gospel passage is often quoted in the context of urging men and women to consider a possible vocation as a priest or religious, it is meant for all disciples. Jesus' own disciples were amazed because they, too, considered material wealth a great blessing. Jesus tells them that the one thing they need to do is follow him, not the stock market. If we find ourselves looking for that "something more" as a matter of faith, it may be that the Lord is pointing to whatever it is that commands our attention and care so that we give more devotion to it than to him. I don't mean spouse and children! Whole families can ask this question: "What must we do to inherit eternal life?" The answer may be challenging, but the ultimate goal is far more than we have already. AMEN
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