Twenty Eighth Sunday, Ordinary Time, October 13, 2024

From the Deacon’s Desk Reflection on Today’s Gospel Reading

      In order to move beyond the minimum, we must tear down any obstacles that stand between God and us. To be in right relationship with God, we must rely entirely on him, not ourselves. To accept God’s gift of eternal life, we must become like little children – utterly dependent on Him. We must accept that we are not the ones in control. And this is essentially what Jesus is teaching the rich man today. Jesus says that if he wants to have a deeper relationship with God – if he wants to go “all in” – then he must let go of his wealth. When Jesus tells the rich man to give everything he has to the poor and follow him, he is asking him to trust God completely. His earthly treasure and wealth, was holding him back from total trust and surrender to God.  By letting go of his earthly treasure, the rich man will find an even greater treasure. Jesus wasn’t making a bargain with the man. The “letting go” was the only way he would experience true charity and giving of self. This is the love that God wants us to experience with one another. This is the love for which we were created.