Daily Reflection Monday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time

In today’s gospel we hear how a young man walked away from Jesus – and he was sad. He turned away from the Lord because he had so many possessions. To be clear, Jesus does not turn away from anyone. However, many do turn away from him. The path of discipleship is a rough and rocky road. As the author G.K. Chesterton said, “It’s not that Christianity has been tried and found wanting; Christianity has been found difficult and left untried.”



Consider that the young man who met Jesus must be a good man. He recognizes Jesus as a holy teacher. He desires eternal life for himself and wants to know what is required to attain his goal. He keeps the Commandments; of this he is confident. Jesus’ answer to him suggests that there are two stages for entering into eternal life. First, he says, “Keep the commandments.” Then he adds, “Go sell your possessions.” The second seems too much to ask, and the man turns away, sad. It is a very sad moment when we know what we really want in life but we lack the freedom to pursue it. It seems that the man’s many possessions now possess him. They have become shackles.

For today, look down the road of discipleship and consider the obstacles you might find along the way. Ask the Lord for help in removing them. Amen.