Scripture:
Reflection:
Today, we are privileged to hear a gospel that many believe has inspired ordinary folk, saints and founders throughout history to take radical action for the sake of Jesus Christ.
The challenge that Jesus puts to the young man has been one willingly accepted by founders and the like as they have begun new movements; it has been embraced wholeheartedly by women and men who have sought to go to greater depth in their spiritual life, and it has inspired many in their outreach and action for social justice. The call of Jesus has inspired courage, creativity and lifelong perseverance as people set out to respond to Jesus rather than walk away from his challenge, as does the young man in today’s gospel.
Perhaps we have to savour the young man’s story—it reveals much about spiritual yearning and how our inner world often expresses itself to us or others in our public choices.
Let us first notice that the young man ‘runs’ up to Jesus. His question and his verbal responses to Jesus are admirable but let us linger for a moment on this issue of ‘running’.
The act of running reveals a certain level of enthusiasm and excitement, and this is noteworthy and something we can imitate in our spiritual journey—to seek Jesus with enthusiasm, and joyful, open hearts.
However, it is too much of a stretch to say that running can also be seen as the outward expression of the inner desire for ‘the more’. The desire for ‘more’ can be a significant moment in spiritual life and one that God so often uses to fill our hearts – not with goods and other achievements – but with grace and love. A desire for ‘more’ in spiritual life can be a way into growth and nourishment for our relationship with God and an invitation to greater intimacy and love.
Of course, a desire for ‘more’ can easily be captured by needs and become a quest for power, prestige, position, or privilege, leading us away from God and our true selves rather than towards God.
But to return to the young man, Jesus admires him, nay ‘loves him’, for what he sees in him. This love spills over into what we hear as a challenge to let go and to give over, but let us hear the words that preface the challenge – You are lacking in one thing.
Jesus’s challenge is not so much a test of willingness or generosity as an offer of a gift.
Jesus sees the void in this man’s heart, which gives rise to his desire. His desire to seek ‘more’ or a greater depth of spiritual well-being and life is a good and valuable movement.
Jesus’ challenge seeks to fill this void, but sadly, the young man cannot see this; or if he does, he cannot act on it. Perhaps his heart has already been turned; he is focused on things that might seem to satisfy him rather than the one person who might fulfil his life’s dreams.
Fr. Denis Travers, C.P., is the Provincial Superior of Holy Spirit Province, Australia.