A young man approached Jesus and said,
Matthew 19:16
“Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?”
Reflection
A young man asks Jesus what good he must do to gain eternal life. Jesus tells him to keep the commandments. The young man says he does, but Jesus instructs him to sell all he has is he wishes to be perfect, and then he can follow Jesus. The man becomes sad at this statement and leaves, because he had many possessions.
The young man asks a question that many people today think is enough – what good must they do in this life? Our society says that being a good person is good enough. Be kind to others, be respectful, have integrity and practice honesty. Yet ‘good’ doesn’t get someone into heaven.
A person can be ‘good’ exteriorly but lead a very sinful private life. Jesus instructs us that being good isn’t enough, we must also keep the commandments. The commandments force us to grow in virtue, which in turn helps us grow in holiness. Sanctity is what brings us closer to heaven and eternity with God, not merely being good. How can you better observe the commandments?
Saint of the Day
St. Jeanne Delanoue: 1666 – 1736
| “It is the Spirit of God which animates you and prompts you to this penitential life. Henceforth, then, be without fear and follow your inspirations.” St. Louis De Montfort to St. Jeanne Delanoue |
The Healing Word 