“… His face fell and he went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth” v.22.
“If I, then your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you also must wash one another’s feet. I have given you an example so that you also should do as I have done” Jn. 13:14-15.
“… Lord I want to be a saint but not now” Saint Augustine: The Confessions.
The prospect of holiness is just too wonderful. Taking/ making the journey with Jesus, being is follower is also great as well as accepting Him as ones Lord and personal Saviour; but living out the demands of truly being more like Him is where the challenge lies.
“… his face fell and he went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth” (Mk. 10:22), even after having kept all the commandments since his childhood (v.20), why?
He had “KEPT” but was not ready to “LIVE.” His sadness was as a result of his unwillingness to make any sacrifice for the sake of the kingdom. Don’t you know that it is only in sincere sacrificial giving that we can become more like Jesus who emptied himself for our sake (cf. Rm. 5:8; Phil. 2:6-11)?
“Living” has been a stumbling block to so many, would you allow it in your own life? Are you prepared then to be more like the Divine Master? He is saying to you now, deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me. He says: “If I, then your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you also must wash one another’s feet. I have given you an example so that you also should do as I have done” (Jn. 13:14-15).
Begin again the task of yesterday, dont run away from it, that is the practical living of the gospel values: say a kind word to anyone and everyone you meet today. No hurtful words should cross your lips. Give a warm welcoming smile to every difficult and hurtful situations, and also give somebody a decent meal.
My most sweet and adorable Jesus, you emptied yourself and gave me all without counting the cost. Give me the grace today to be more like you in every way, giving without counting the cost as well. Amen.
Prayerfully sing with the song: “I need thee every hour” and with St. Pio’s “Stay with me, Lord.” Prayerfully meditate on the 29th chapter of the book of the prophet Jeremiah.
SHEPHERD ME O LORD, BEYOND MY STRENGTH.
By Fr. Charles Emore