Gospel Reflection - 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

 


Mark 10:17-30

In last week’s bulletin reflection, I wrote about keepsakes and how we take extra care of them because they mean something special to us.  By itself, that’s not a bad thing.  However, when we begin to place unhealthy attachments on those possessions, we become distracted from our true calling…our eternal inheritance.  

We see this in today’s Gospel.  This man who approached Jesus already kept the commandments and was looking for anything else that might help him on his path to eternal life.  He probably thought Jesus would give him some extra prayers, studies, or tasks to perform.  However, Jesus’ response was NOT what he was expecting.  “Go, sell what you have, and give it to the poor….”  

That task was extremely difficult for him to do.  He had formed an attachment to his belongings, placing love of things over love of God.  What he didn’t realize was that, while he would have to give up all his possessions, he would gain much more in return.  The Heavenly Kingdom is flowing with all the peace and grace God promised from the beginning.  When you put God first in your life, everything else falls right into place.  Everything you do will be in line with the path He has laid out for you.  Enjoy your possessions, but be detached enough from them that when God calls, you’ll be ready to jump up, leave them behind, and follow wherever He is leading you.

What is your most prized possession?  Would you find it difficult to give it up today if God asked you? 

Have you placed God first in your life?  If not, pray for His guidance to realign your priorities

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