Matthew 19:16-22
And behold, one came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?”
And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? One there is who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.”
He said to him, “Which?” And Jesus said, “You shall not kill, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness,
Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
The young man said to him, “All these I have observed; what do I still lack?”
Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions.
Homily:
Whenever I read this passage, I put myself in the shoes of this young man that engaged Jesus, and I reflect on my choices.
To the reminder on the commandments by Jesus, he replied, “All these I have observed; what do I still lack?”
If Jesus reminds me today about the commandment – “You shall love your neighbour as yourself”, I will not even be able to reply, as the words will judge me.
To the next advice from Jesus to the young man, I will also walk away even more sorrowful. I do not have great possessions, yet I will hesitate to oblige such advice.
Dear God, help me to obey Your commandments and put You above all things in my life.