Monday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Today’s Gospel relates the story of Jesus’ encounter with the rich young man. Jesus is approached by the rich young man who has lived an upright life from his youth, obeying the commandments. Yet obviously this young man knew there was something missing—the passage says he “ran up, knelt down before him” and asked Jesus what he had to do in order to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and ‘then come, follow me’. The passage says ‘his face fell and he went away sad’; despite all his efforts to live by the commandments and abide by the letter of the law, it seems he did not have enough faith to let go of the security of his material possessions and follow Jesus.
The mental image of that young man’s face and his sadness indicate to me that he knew his lack of faith was costing him a great deal. In fact, the first reading from 1 Peter tells us exactly what it cost him; the author speaks of the ‘imperishable, undefiled, and unfading inheritance’ that is waiting for us in heaven. He speaks of the ‘indescribable and glorious joy’ that faith in this promise brings. It is faith that allows us to live in the joy of God’s incredible promises. It is at the expense of this joy that the young man placed his faith in and found his security in his possessions instead of Jesus. How easy is it to find myself in this same situation! In our society of so many ‘things’ and so much available, urged at every turn to insure this or that, and place our trust and confidence in one institution or another, it is easy to become distracted from the truth that God speaks to us; it is hard to shut out everything around us and stay focused and centered on the one thing that matters. Is it any wonder why there are times when that ‘joy’ spoken of in 1 Peter can seem elusive?
God has bestowed so many gifts upon us in this life; we need only look around us to behold the beauty and bounty in our midst. This all was placed here for our benefit and for us to enjoy. If I find I am placing my faith in these gifts or seeking my security in them, I am overlooking the Giver of these gifts. It is this Giver—this God—who is the source of all giving, the source of all gifts, and the only One worthy of my faith and trust. I pray I stay aware of this truth no matter the time or circumstance. I hope that each day, when he asks me to leave everything and follow him, I may be open to receiving the grace necessary to do so. I pray that, in any experience of true joy, I will be celebrating the Giver.
O Holy One, Great Giver Eternal,
Allow me see where I place my faith this day.
Grant me the grace to let go of your gifts,
and, in the joy of faith, cling only to you.
With the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
In Jesus’ holy name,
Amen.
--Gail Lyman