Posted by The WORD in other words (2006) by Fr Doms Flores SVD – Australia
Monday 8th Week in Ordinary Time
Jesus and the rich young man – Image source : Wikimedia Commons
The Gospel tells us of a man who ran up to Jesus. Mark simply calls him “a man”; Matthew describes him as “a young man”; Luke identifies him as “a ruler.” All three agree that he was wealthy, with many possessions. So we may rightly call him a rich young ruler. He came running — an affluent man in need of Jesus. Have you ever felt that same urgency, running to Jesus because you knew you needed Him?
The young man’s question is striking: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17). Despite his wealth, youth, and status, he was restless. His possessions could not fill the void inside him. He longed for peace. Discipleship is not only about listening but about acting. Can we ask sincerely today: “Lord, what must I do for You?”
Jesus told him: “You are lacking in one thing” (Mark 10:21). Just as King Belshazzar was “weighed on the scales and found wanting” (Daniel 5:27), so too this young man was missing something essential. For him, it was surrender — letting go of wealth to follow Jesus. For us, what is that one thing lacking? For me, it is total surrender in love. What is it for you?
Jesus invited him personally: “Come, follow me.” But the man’s face fell, and he went away sad. Invitation rejected. Yet notice: “Jesus looked at him and loved him” (Mark 10:21). Not all encounters with Jesus end in success stories. Some walk away. Yet His love remains. The question is: are we walking with Jesus today, or turning away?
The rich young ruler reminds us that love demands more. It demands action beyond words. It demands surrender beyond possessions. It demands following Jesus even when it costs us. Let us not walk away sad, but respond with joy: “Lord, I will follow You.”
“Lord Jesus, show me what I must do today. Help me surrender what is lacking, and give me the courage to follow You in love.”
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