<h3>The Opportunity of a Lifetime</h3>
Oct
15
Written by:
Sunday, October 15, 2006
28th Sunday Ordinary Time
October 15, 2006
The rich young man in this Sunday's gospel was given a chance that was literally the opportunity of a lifetime (Mark 10:17-30), the chance to be a disciple of Jesus, and he blew it. This guy had caught Jesus' eye, and Jesus was impressed with his very sincere question: "What must I do to inherit eternal life?"
Jesus told him to keep the commandments. And when the man responded that he had always tried to do so, from his youth, Jesus looked at him with love. This detail is found only in Mark's gospel. Mark gives us an eyewitness account. The author records what he actually saw. Jesus looked at him with love.
It is critical that we not pass over these words too quickly! The young man had been showing love for God all his life,simply by keeping the commandments. It sounds obvious, but we show the Lord that we love him by doing what he asks us to do, a lesson that every parent knows! When we try to live inj a way that is pleasing to Jesus, he looks upon us with love. I don't know about you, but that's the look that I want from Jesus!
The young man presses his case: "What more do I need to do?" Another way to put this might be, "OK, Lord, so tell me something I didn't know already!" Unfortunately, there was one thing this man could not give up: his wealth. You will notice that Jesus does not ask this particular sacrifice of most of us. Oh no. For you, he will ask something else. Something you are too attached to. Your response to Jesus at that moment could be the opportunity of a lifetime.
Put yourself in this picture for a moment. Can you say you are trying to keep the commandments? Now see Jesus looking on you with love. You find yourself asking him, "What more do you wish me to do?" What would Jesus say to you? What might Jesus ask of you? Is there something in your life that keeps you from saying yes to Jesus with all your heart? Are you too attached to something?
It is an interesting question. Most of us try to live good lives, but we are caught up in many things, some of which are unhealthy for our soul. Is there something that is keeping you from a full relationship with Christ? Don't be surprised if Jesus points these things out to you on occasion, sometimes by taking them away! And when this happens to you, it could be the opportunity of a lifetime.
Father Gary