A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 19:16-22
“Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?” He answered him, “Why do you ask me about the good? There is only One who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He asked him, “Which ones?” And Jesus replied, “You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.
REFLECTION: "If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
A holy German Dominican priest by the name of Father Tauler (1300-1361) was told by God to go to a certain church and there he would find someone who would teach him the real spiritual life. He went to the Church and there said, "Good day" to a beggar and a conversation began.
The beggar said he had never had a ‘bad' day. He said this because he was accustomed to will what God willed, and gladly received what the Lord thought was best for him.
In today's gospel, the rich man's heart was in his earthly possessions. Jesus told him that in order to "enter into life", keeping the commandments was needed. The commandments are His wisdom emphasizing what must be done and what must be avoided. Once followed, our conscience helps us define good and evil as God does.
But can you observe the commandments of love yet not be a loving person? Jesus tells him that if he wants to follow Him he must be rid of all attachments. In seeking to be perfect and devoid of earthly belongings then we should be able to hear His voice and follow His will to the perfection of love who is God.
When we give our will to God, we give our love to Him and our own self will does not become an obstacle.
God Bless You
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