The Gospel today is a version of the story of the Rich Young Man. This story is part of the first meditation on Friday morning of the Cursillo. In this meditation we see a person who had lots of material possessions. When Jesus asked him to sell all his stuff, he went away sad. It’s not that Jesus doesn’t want us to have “stuff”, but when these things become our God and rule our lives, they become an obstacle to a life in grace.
St.Paul would say that having many possessions makes us more preoccupied with material things rather than with things above. (Cor. 3:1). Jesus says, “where your treasure lies, there is where your heart will also be.” (Matt 6:21)
Today Jesus is inviting the Rich Young Man to more closely follow him. This invitation however was not just to people in Jesus’ time. Today he is inviting you as well. What are the obstacles preventing you from following him more closely? What is he inviting you to give up in exchange for more of his love and grace? Tell him you want to follow him more closely no matter the cost. He will never ask you to give up something if he didn’t have something even better in store for you !
DeColores, Deacon Doug