Posted by The WORD in other words (2015) by Fr Jess Briones SVD – USA
Monday 20th Week in Ordinary Time
The Gospel touches two very important and relevant topics: the way to eternal life and the danger of riches.
A young man asks Jesus what to do in order to gain eternal life, manifesting his deep yearning for God. Jesus reminds him of the commandments that deal with human relationships: do not kill, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not falsely swear, do not defraud, honor your father and your mother. Notice that Jesus does not mention the first three commandments that define the relationship with God.
For Jesus, relationship with others define our way to God. Therefore, the closest way to find God is through love of neighbor.
The young man claims to know and observe these commandments. But seemingly he does not yet fully understand that love of God and love of neighbor are inseparable — one and the same commandment.
It is not enough to be Christian. We need to “sell everything” that prevents us to obtain the greatest treasure — love for God and neighbor.
Jesus looks tenderly at the young man and gives him a new task — “to sell what he has and give to the poor.” The young man goes away sad because he has put his life in the service of things rather than in the service of other persons.
“El que no vive para servir, no servi para viver.” He who does not live to serve, does not deserve to live.
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