Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go,
matthew 19:21
sell what you have and give to the poor,
and you will have treasure in heaven.”
Reflection
A young man asks Jesus what good he must do in order to gain eternal life, and Jesus tells him to keep the commandments. The man replies that he does do this, and then asks what else he lacks. Jesus tells him to sell all he has and follow him. At this, the man goes away sad because he has many possessions.
It is easy to understand the young man’s position in this Gospel, given our materialistic society. Everyone owns many “things” that we deem to be valuable in one way or another. When it is time to get rid of them, it can be hard to let go. Jesus tells us we must let go of our possessions in order to have treasure in heaven. We cannot gain entrance loaded down with earthly goods, because that means we were not attached to the Lord.
Reflect on your attachment difficulties. Everyone struggles with this in a particular way. Are you too attached to your money, your clothes, your house, your hobbies, your phone? Whatever it is, ask the Lord to help you detach from these earthly items and focus only on him. When we attach ourselves to Jesus, we find true joy.
Saint of the Day
St. Helena: died ca. AD 330
St. Helena was the mother of Roman Emperor Constantine. She is known for finding the cross Jesus was crucified on and founding many churches at holy spots from Jesus’ life.
St. Helena, pray for us!
The Healing Word 