Memorial of Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church
It seems in our society that many people are focused on achieving a prize or reward with the least amount of effort. The question, “What do I have to do to get an A in this class?” is a prime example of how students are trying to ascertain exactly the steps that need to be done to get the top grade. The implication is that they can do these steps and no more in order to receive the reward. What seems to be lost in this pursuit is the importance of what can be learned from their studies and how the knowledge they obtain can be used to make them better prepared for the future. By choosing to do the most to absorb the material, they not only gain a better understanding of what is being taught, but with their complete effort they grow as individuals who embrace the fullness of every experience in life.
In today’s gospel reading, a young man comes to Jesus and asks, “Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?” The fact that this man is described as being young indicates that he is new on his journey of life. He seeks to know exactly what needs to be done to gain the reward of eternal life. It is encouraging that he is seeking such deep answers, but I wonder if the man is hoping that it will be only a few simple steps to achieve his goal. When Jesus responds that to “enter into life” he must keep the commandments, the young man states, “All of these I have observed.”
The commandments that Jesus lists are all related to our relationships with others- not killing, not committing adultery, not stealing, not lying, honoring our parents, and loving others as our selves. The young man asks Jesus, “What do I still lack?” I wonder if he asks this question because he thinks that he has done enough already, or does this young man still have a deep sense of missing something from his life.
Jesus calls him to give the most. He tells the young man to sell his possessions, give to the poor and then come “follow me.” Jesus invites the man to give his material possessions, but even more importantly to give- his life- as He follows Christ. Jesus explains that just following commandments is not enough. To gain eternal life, a person must be connected (united) with the “One who is good.” Although this should have been a source of encouragement for the young man, he “went away sad” because he was not able to give it all away.
How often do we ask the same question, “What must I do to gain eternal life?” Like the young man, I wonder if my questioning is more about doing the right steps needed to assure my entrance into heaven, and less about how can I grow in my relationship with God. Obeying the commandments should not be an end in itself, but more of a means to show our love and gratitude for God and His goodness. What seems most significant is that we do not “achieve” eternal life, but communion with God is a gift freely given to anyone who seeks and trusts in His love and mercy. The right actions of daily living flow from our relationship with Christ and His love within us. We respond in doing the most not because we want eternal life, but because God’s life is so great within us that we want to love others, care for the poor, and not be attached to our possessions.
If our connection with Christ is vital to living fully, then finding ways to grow in our relationship with Him is essential. Whether in prayer, scripture, sacrament or His revelation in our daily lives, we must constantly seek His presence. When Jesus speaks of being perfect in today’s reading, it is not that we achieve perfection, but that we become perfect in and through Christ.
I think if we could ask Jesus what do we need to do to get an “A” in this class that we call life, He would say, “Let my love fill you completely and follow Me in all you think, do and say. When you live in this way you will already be living heaven on earth.”
“Loving Father, Jesus shows us how to live. With the grace of Your Spirit, help us to always seek to do the most we can to share Your love and mercy with the world. We pray this through Christ our LORD. Amen.”
- Marylynn Herchline