Memorial of Saint Pius X, Pope
My husband and I are avid hikers, and we are planning a trip to Glacier National Park. As part of our possible itinerary there is one or two hikes that I am concerned may be more than I can handle. My husband, who loves me and knows me well, is inviting (encouraging) me to go beyond what I think I can do and try to do more.
When I read the scripture readings, I was reminded that God calls us to more as well. God wants us to not only follow His commandments, but to surrender ourselves completely to Him and His will. Because of His great love for us, God calls us to surrender all to Him, so He can use all that we are to serve others and bring glory to God.
In the Gospel reading, the young man asks Jesus what he needs to attain salvation. Jesus tells him that you need to follow the commandments, but He goes one step further inviting the young man, “if you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Jesus calls the young man to more, but the young man is unable to give his all- so he is dejected and leaves unable to accept Jesus’ challenge.
In the first reading, God realizes how much His people need His help. The Israelites turned from God and did not follow God’s commands. The LORD sent judges to help them recognize their wayward actions, and the people repented. But when the judge was gone, the people would return again to their evil ways. God was calling them to more, and yet they continued to turn from Him. It was God’s great love and mercy that continued to call them back every time they failed.
God calls each of us to more every day. Jesus calls us to follow His commands, but He invites us to give ourselves completely to Him. Although some could perceive this as losing who we are and what we have, when we surrender our lives to God, we allow Him to take all that we have and bring it to perfection in Him. Whether it is our time, our finances, our work, our leisure- God does not rob us of these gifts, but uses them to allow us to become who He created us to be. Jesus gives us the perfect example of how this is done, when He gives of Himself entirely through His life, death and resurrection. Jesus shows us how complete surrender demonstrates perfect love and gives glory to God.
Like the Israelites, it is very challenging to live the “more” we are called to do. Fortunately, God knows that we need help, so He sends us His grace through prayer, scripture, sacraments and our faith community. Living more for God is difficult, and God realizes that we will fail. Because of God’s grace and mercy He continues to calls us back and provides what we need to heed His call.
Because I trust my husband and his love for me, I believe that he wants what is best for me. When he calls me forth to do more, I know it is because he believes in me, and he wants me to live fully. In a much greater way, I know that God loves me and wants me to become “perfect” in Him through my complete surrender to Him. Being more for God is challenging, yet He does not expect me to do this on my own. The Holy Spirit is a constant companion on the journey. It is God’s Spirit that provides the courage, wisdom, love and peace that is needed to be what each of us is called to be- a disciple of Christ.
Whether or not I will be able to complete the arduous hikes ahead, I do not know. But I do believe that through the encouragement of my husband, some training, and some positive thinking I will be able to make a good attempt. I know that the scenery, wildlife and beauty of God’s creation will be my reward. I know that giving my “more” for God will also require much help, but He has promised He will provide all that I need. If I can step forward in faith, surrendering what I have to Him, then I believe God will share with me “treasure in heaven” right here on earth.
Father, You love us so much that You call us to more. Your Son, Jesus shows us how we are called to live in that total surrender to You. Send down Your Spirit that we have all that we need to step forward in faith letting go of all, so we can allow You to be our all. May our lives become “perfect” in You, so all can see Your glory. We pray this through Christ, our LORD. Amen.
Marylynn Herchline