LIKE many of us, the wealthy man in this Sunday’s Gospel was searching for wisdom and direction in life. He was also concerned about his right relationship with God and personal salvation. Is he doing the right thing? Will he get to heaven?
It’s why Jesus looked at him with love and compassion. Jesus saw his genuine intentions, innermost desire, and humbleness. He also saw the man’s goodness and potential to be much more.
So, Jesus challenged him, saying; “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.”
As the Gospel relates, the man went home sad because he had many possessions that could not give up, sell, and share with others, especially the poor.
Let’s focus on Jesus’ wish for this man. He wanted him not merely to be “good” but to be “great.” He wanted him not to settle for less but to be much more.
If he was listening to Jesus’ teachings, to be great means to possess a childlike spirit—totally dependent on God’s grace and surrendering all of his life to God. To be much more means to be the least of all, the servant of all.
Jesus’ wish for this man Is his similar wish for all of us. He desires that we live a life of radical generosity, kindness, empathy, mercy, openness, courage, and faith.
And so, he asks us to forgive our enemies, walk an extra mile, and love even those that are not related to us.
Jesus wants us also to share our talents of treasure, time, and talent with the church and community. So, our possessions are not just money and material things. They are also our gifts, skills, and time.
Jesus wants us to trust him in all circumstances–to see beauty and hope amidst suffering and poverty. He wants us to trust in his teachings and live by them. He wants us to be courageous and hopeful in times of uncertainty, poverty, sickness, and death.
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.
