In today’s Gospel from Mark, a rich young man asks Jesus how to gain eternal life. The man is saddened by the commandment of Jesus to sell everything he owns and give to the poor because he has a lot of possessions. Jesus explains that it’s hard for rich people to enter God’s kingdom, but with God, anything is possible. He gives His disciples the assurance that those who follow Him and give up everything will be rewarded with eternal life. Many aspire to lead fulfilling lives, prosper professionally, and accomplish their goals. It can be challenging to let go of these dreams, though.
I can relate to this difficulty because dreams give us a sense of direction and are an important part of our everyday lives. I also find it challenging to give up my possessions as a follower of Jesus. They seem to be an essential part of who I am and my strength. It’s not just about money or things, which don’t last; it’s about the deeper connections and values that shape us, like love, support, and belonging. This includes my friends and family, from whom I was very close before pursuing the seminary, so I find it difficult to distance myself from them. I cherish the moments we shared, and the thought of leaving them behind weighs heavily on my heart.
Through meditation and prayer, I sometimes wonder if holding on to these goals prevents me from fully embracing what God wants for me. I ask myself questions like, “What if I let go?” or “What if I take a risk?” These questions shake my faith and understanding of God, much like the young man with many possessions. True freedom comes from trusting in God’s plan, even if it means stepping out of my comfort zone. It reminds us to let go of all our possessions to grow and allow God to control our lives. When we trust Him completely and put our faith in Him, we open ourselves to His guidance and love. This can be hard, especially when we are attached to our things and the people we care about. However, by letting go, we make room for God’s blessings and plans. Ultimately, if we follow Him and live according to His teachings, we will be rewarded with eternal life. Trusting God can lead us to a deeper, more meaningful life, filled with joy and purpose.
