(Mark 10:17 – 27)
Prayer – Come, Holy Spirit. Let me sacrifice everything to follow Jesus.
Imagination: (Picture the young man asking Jesus about eternal life.)
The gospel begins “As Jesus set out”. This sets the scene. Jesus is on a journey and the young man will be invited to come along. The man’s “kneeling down” shows great piety. His question is excellent. He wants what Jesus offers, eternal life. Jesus loves him and invites him “to follow”. Worldly possessions are his obstacle. With so many possessions, he could not travel with Jesus.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)
A certain man ran up, knelt before Jesus and asked him, “Good Master, what shall I do to gain everlasting life?” Jesus answered, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.” You know the commandments, “Do not commit adultery. Do not kill. Do not steal. Do not bear false witness. Do not defraud. Honor your father and your mother.” He answered, “Master, I have observed all these things since my youth.”
Jesus, looking on him, loved him and said, “One thing is lacking to you. Go, sell whatever you have and give to the poor and you shall have treasure in heaven. Then, come follow me.” Upon hearing this, the man grew sad and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
- The story begins with great hope. The man asks a fervent question, recounts a history of good moral behavior and seeks eternal life.
- Knowing all this is true, Jesus looks upon him with love.
- Jesus goes further and offers his greatest gift. He invites the man to follow.
- Jesus even motivates the man. There will be treasure for him in heaven.
- Instead of following Jesus, he turns back. His possessions are walls he cannot escape from.
- We will all meet him at the Last Judgment and discover the end of his story.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- Jesus, I have kept the commandments, what more must I do to gain eternal life?
- You invite me to follow you. You stir within and lead me further.
- Jesus, you do not want me to fail. You want me close to yourself.
- O Jesus, what are my possessions compared to the treasures in heaven? Are they not a small price to purchase the Kingdom?
- Turning away from you is emptiness. Following you is fullness. I will leave everything to follow you.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own)
- Today, I will ask Jesus, ‘Lord, what must I do to gain eternal life?”
- I will help the poor.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation)
Sell all and give to the poor. Your treasure in heaven will be great.