Choices, Choices, Choices

Our lives are full of choices. We can be unbelievers, heathens, some degree of faithful, or true followers of Jesus Christ. If we want advice on car repair, we consult a mechanic. To prepare a feast for friends, we open our favorite cookbook. The young man in today’s Gospel asked Jesus about eternal life. Jesus answered his question by telling him to follow the Commandments. The man responded that he had kept all the rules but still felt something was missing. Jesus replied that if the man wanted eternal life with God, he had to sell all his possessions, give his money to the poor, and follow Jesus. Unfortunately, this was not the response the man wanted.

Like many people, he coveted the things he owned; he was not concerned with the desired perfection Jesus was talking about. To be truly worthy, strive to be like God. No human being who ever lived was completely good except Jesus. The man walked away grieving because he could not conceive of giving up all his prized possessions. He was not about to give them up just to be righteous, and he certainly was not ready to follow Jesus. He didn’t understand that Jesus wants our devotion. After giving up his life for us, this is the least he deserves. When we have him in our lives, we have everything.

How many of us value our things more than our relationship with Jesus? Is the time you spend with other people more important to you than the attention you give to God? Are you excited to meet him in the sacrifice of the Eucharist, where we are reminded that he rose from the dead just for us? With his omnipresent grace and the help of the Holy Spirit, our reward awaits us, and he welcomes us home.

Let us pray:

Precious Lord, we need your help. In our daily lives, we are distracted and busy, and it is only through our encounter with you that we find rest, peace, and hope for our eternity with you. We call on you for help when troubled, and remember to thank you for the good times. Because of your grace and love for us, we are encouraged to pursue your guidance. We know that one day you will make us new and gather us into your waiting arms. Amen.