"Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven." (Mk 10:21)
This 28th Sunday of Ordinary Time, we are invited to reflect on the need for detachment. Jesus reminds us that only God is good. He is the author of all the good in us and what we have received. We would all like to think that we are good and don't intentionally do evil. When we assess ourselves, sometimes instead of looking at Jesus we simply compare ourselves to others.
There is a radical difference between just being good and being holy. Our confessions many times are reduced to "we haven't messed up too bad." To be a disciple of Jesus means to follow him wherever he leads us. It is a radical decision to leave all things and seek God alone. We are to leave everything that hinders us and put into practice the means that help us reach him. Our possessions can help us or hinder us.
Questions for Reflection:
- Am I aware that attachments are not only material but can also be my own plans and ideas?
- Do I frequently look to Jesus as my model and example?
- Is there anything large or small that keeps me from growing spiritually?
"A bird can be bound by a chain or a string." (St. John of the Cross)
