Monday of the 20th week in ordinary time
Ezekiel 24: 15-24 Mathew 19: 16-22
Theme: What do I still lack?
In the gospel reading of today from St. Mathew, the young man who was striving for perfection and came to Jesus, wanted to know what he needs to do to attain perfection. So, he presented the question to Jesus, what do I still lack? This is a question that we all as children of God should be able to relate with in our personal lives. The answer of Jesus that he should go and sell all he had and give the proceeds to the poor, made him sorrowful, because he was a man of great means. We have a lot to learn from the gospel reading from St. Mathew we have today. The first thing we need to note, is the desire of the rich young man, who desired perfection in his life. This is an attitude that we must develop in our lives as individuals. This will go a long way in helping us to become a better version of ourselves, as we strive to do that which is good and acceptable in the sight of God. It is never too late for us to embrace the teaching of Christ in our daily life, by so doing preparing ourselves to become true followers of Christ in our words and actions.
The second point is the fact that we don’t need to be very wealthy if we want to follow Christ. What is needed is the minimum and our simplicity and openness to do the things of God in our daily lives. This is because sometimes our wealth can be a setback for us to freely serve God the way we should. Simply put, your wealth can become a distraction to you in the mission of Christ. That is why Jesus told the rich young man to go and sell all his possession and give the money to the poor, then he can come and follow him. We also see a similar scenario when Jesus was sending out his disciples two by two, he told them the few things they should go with.
We are told that when Jesus told the young man what to do, he was sorrowful, because he was not ready to give off his wealth. That is why we must be mindful of the things that God has blessed us with in our lives. Use them wisely for the greater glory of God and for the good of humanity. Always see it as a gift from God and use it to also bless other people. Do not allow your wealth to stand as a barrier between you and making heaven, rather use it as an opportunity to make heaven easier and closer to you. Always remember that it is a gift from God and use it to also better the lives of others. As you do this may almighty God bless you in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy Spirit, Amen. Peace be with you.