"Go sell what you have and give to the poor . . .then come, follow me."
The Sunday Word: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/101418.cfm
Mark 10: 17-30
Our recent violent weather with two significantly large hurricanes hitting the southeast and now the Florida panhandle may offer a good reflection for us in light of this Sunday’s challenging Gospel from Mark. Smart people in the path of those storms did the right things in protecting their homes and leaving the area for safer locations. The aftermath of the violent winds and rain with massive devastation from its path is heartbreaking. We know that thousands of people are now faced with the task of cleaning up and rebuilding lives with accounting for losses.
But, as we often hear the real treasure recognized is in the value of family members and loved ones who survived the event. We can replace and rebuild but we cannot replace each other is frequently voiced. Yet, even for all that, our Gospel challenges us to go farther in what we have and who we seek. The Gospel challenges us to something more essential.
In our Gospel from Mark, Jesus encounters a well-meaning and hopeful man who happens to be very rich. But note how the passage begins: “As Jesus was setting out on a journey a man ran up . . .” Mark frames this event as our Lord begins to walk, to set out on a “journey.” As he begins this wealthy man eagerly approaches him, symbolically wanting to follow him. The man is eager, respectful as he kneels down, but feels a nagging sense, in spite of his riches, that there must be something more; something yet missing “to inherit eternal life.” Despite all he had and likely what he had done he longed for more and he awaits Jesus affirmation and response. You can imagine the sincerity on his face. But take note of the journey scene; to follow the Lord daily is a walk with Christ and it has expectations.
The man’s question elicits a response from Jesus who then lists six of the Ten Commandments. These commandments concern our relationship with one another and that concerning the possessions of others; the things of this world and our human relationships which he obviously enjoys and lives them out as the Bible intends. The
man confidently states that he has been a serious minded Jew – “. . . all of these I have observed from my youth.” Does he see his wealth and advantage as a door to salvation? As a kind of entitlement? Still, one deeper challenge Jesus now demands.
Don’t forget the first four commandments which concern our love for God and how we live that in our life. Jesus does not directly mention them as he did the others: One God alone; no false idols; reverence God’s name; keep the Sabbath holy. Where does this man stand on his love for God? In his response to the man he does name these by asking the central question: “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor . . . then come, follow me.” To set out in journey with Jesus means to pay the full price of what God asks of us – singular and central love of God and then all others come into proper perspective. What or who do I love more than God? In addition to all else, where is the value of my spiritual life? Only on Sundays - if ever? Only when I'm in trouble or want something? Obviously, the man is deeply shaken by Jesus fuller demand for “he had many possessions.”
The incredulous response of the man is sad, “. . . At that statement, his face fell and he went away sad . . .” The original eagerness with which he approached Jesus has now turned to sadness and he backs off his original desire to join Jesus on his journey. It’s a sad scene but a powerful reflection for us who seek to do the same. Remember Jesus looked upon him with love – he may indeed have wanted him to join his group of disciples but his attachments were too many. Clearly to follow the Lord is to lay aside that which holds us back; that which possess us. To lose a certain security and to seek trust and a wiser choice.
Our first reading from Wisdom beautifully puts this in which the author pleads for “wisdom.” To the ancient Jews the pursuit of wisdom meant practical advice on how to manage one’s life and possessions. That’s a worthy desire of course but more deeply how to order one’s life in relationship with God is the fuller question; the rest of the demand to Christian discipleship. To seek wisdom is to desire to know what God asks of us and to willingly embrace that; to order my life with wisdom (God) at the center.
After the dejected man leaves Jesus company he comments about the difficulty that a well-meaning but misguided priority of our life will lead us down the wrong path: “How hard it is to enter he kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Assuming wealth is a sign of God’s favor the disciples are shocked at the explanation Jesus gives. But, he assures them that if we place our main priority on God we can have confidence on his journey: “With God all things are possible.”
We don’t earn our salvation as if it were a reward or an entitlement such as an inheritance. Although right behavior is of course beneficial, but ultimately it is God’s work in our lives. It is the pursuit of the Spirit (wisdom) and only with him will the gift of salvation be received. It is not what we do or what we have but rather what God has done for us in his Son.
If we prioritize our lives where God is the center, if we are willing to sacrifice for a higher good even that of our own lives for the Gospel values ultimately then an even greater wealth awaits us in heaven. To live with a central place for God in our lives and to pursue the wisdom of the spirit above all other attachments and pleasures is to order things rightly.
Is Jesus asking us to choose abject poverty before we can say we follow him? Our western modern minds go that way indeed. But, look at the Gospel in its entirety today. Later, Peter queries: “We have given up everything and followed you.” We’ve done what you asked the man to do so what’s in it for us? “Everything” seems to imply more than material possessions. Family ties have been left behind, the comfort of home and security of regular employment have been set aside, we travel from village to village and risk our reputations, etc. This is no small sacrifice the disciples of Jesus have made.
Our Lord’s response is reassuring about the riches that will come to them: “. . . a hundred times more now and in this present life . . .” But the what’s in it for us question seems natural yet still a bit off the mark. Jesus essentially lays the grounds for discipleship. This doesn’t necessarily mean we all need to be Francis of Assisi but we do need to have our attachments and detachments in proper order.
Each week we gather as Church around the table of the Lord. Not to be spectators but to fully and actively participate. We come to give thanks that we receive the gift God offers to us – that of his own Son. Yet, if we simply leave Church at the end of holy Mass or think its only about me or I'm the only one who is favored above others with no connection to our daily lives or our relationship in the community of believers we are missing the point of coming at all. We join our lives with the sacrifice offered in thanksgiving and repentance and then go forth to "glorify the Lord by our lives." By the example we give to others throughout our week, we show that God is always first above all things.
I recently read what I felt was a wonderful insight about the power of secular culture today: “We give a nod to God and then go and do what we want.” Doesn’t God and the things of the spirit deserve far more than just a nod from us? If we seek wisdom above all, God himself above all, then all else will take its rightful place.
"Teach us to number our days aright;
that we may gain wisdom of heart.
Fill us at daybreak with your kindness,
that we may shout for joy,
and gladness all our days."
