What must I do to inherit eternal life?
Saturday 9th October 2021
In an age when many of us find it difficult to make ends meet, society pounds us with a set of values based on the need for material security. It judges our success by the size of our possessions, bank accounts and the exclusiveness of the area in which we live. But the wisdom that comes from God measures differently and sees power and riches as nothing. Spiritual values run deeper than worldly standards. There is more to life than what is immediately perceptible. Wealth mixes with worship of God just about as well as oil and water, and we cannot buy our way into heaven.
The rich young man in the gospel, (Mark 10.17-30), exhibited goodness, respectability, and observing the commandments. He asked Christ a fundamental question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?”. He got an unexpected answer. He is proud that he has done nothing wrong in his life but Jesus was not that impressed. Jesus was more interested in the use he had made of his life, in the good he had done, and whether he was prepared to go out of his way to help others. He looked him straight in the eyes and invited him to sell what he had and to come and follow him. Here was a young man who went away saddened because he was unable to make the sacrifice. His vision was limited to his possessions.
Jesus singles him out for admonition. All of us are invited to answer God’s call: “Come follow me”. Jesus is not asking us to admire his way of life but to live it fully and not as part time followers. Discipleship is always costly and following Jesus makes total demands on our lifestyle. Our following of Christ means making the best use of our present situation and placing our lives in his hands. We only have one life and Christ is inviting us to leave the world a better place for our presence.
Stay safe and healthy.
God bless you all!
Fr. Arsenio