Memorial of Saint Pius X, Pope
Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Mt 19: 16-22
August 21, 2023 | Monday
It was then, that a young man approached him and asked, “Master, what good work must I do to receive eternal life?” Jesus answered, “Why do you ask me about what is good? One, only, is good. If you want to enter eternal life, keep the commandments.”
The young man said, “Which commandments?” Jesus replied, “Do not kill; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not bear false witness; honor your father and mother. And love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “I have kept all these commandments. What do I still lack?” Jesus answered, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell all that you possess, and give the money to the poor; and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come back and follow me.”
On hearing this, the young man went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth.
Today’s Reflection:
Being good is a step towards realizing the will of God in our lives. Today’s gospel stretches to a radical understanding of goodness in man. The rich man approached Jesus with hopes of validating his practice to goodness. He qualifies as a “good person” according to the Old Testament which dictates that a truly good person is consistent with the commandments. However, Jesus’ quality of goodness even goes beyond this definition. His challenge to having a good life is the devaluing of material possession which means Divine affirmation of goodness flows from a willing self to sacrifice. This, of course, shatters the man as it entails greater sacrifice on his end. Let us reflect on this, do we have what it takes to be part of Jesus’ definition of a good person?. ./Vulnerasti, 2023
