Possessions

"Teacher, what good must I do to possess eternal life?"

Matthew 19:16-22 presents a young man who approaches Jesus with a concrete question: "What good deed must I do to possess eternal life?" Jesus throws to him a few commandments, a few rules to "keep." But the young man is not happy with that answer, saying that he has always observed them in his life. He asks further, "What more do I need to do?" Dear friends, we can recognize in this man (whom the gospel doesn’t name) every person who approaches Jesus Christ questioning him not so much about rules to be followed, but about the full meaning of life. This youth expresses the aspiration at the heart of every human being. Who am I, what should I do? What is the meaning of my existence? It is the echo of God’s call in us, the only one to satisfy the desire of the human heart. Those questions come from the depths of the heart. These questions are essential and unavoidable. I believe we have had at least a few occasions to ask ourselves these deeper questions of life.

Returning to the gospel passage of today: Conscious of the young man’s yearning for something greater, which would transcend a legalistic interpretation of the commandments, Jesus, the Good Teacher invites him to enter upon the path of perfection: “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” To follow Jesus we need to sell off our possessions, give up our material attachments, and serve the poor.

When the young man heard these words he went away sad. He wasn't yet ready to follow the perfect road. This is the tragic end of the story. He was able to ask the right questions, but not courageous enough (or ready) to follow the demands of the answers that he discovers. The gospel story of today ends on this tragic note, "He was a man of great wealth." Money, success, and popularity and our attachments to them will not help us to follow Jesus. I may follow all the rules and regulations of the Church, but I may not be able to follow Jesus and do what he tells. It is interesting and tragic to note that I could be a Christian, but not follow Jesus and his wishes for me. I may be a Christian but still attached to wealth and luxuries, and keep my heart far away from Jesus. I may serve the Church as an institution, but not serve the Lord who is revealed in the Church. That's called idolatry.

People the most obedient to commandments and church formulas can very often be the hardest to convert. They've take the symbol for the substance. They've taken the ritual for the reality. They've take the means for the end and become immunized from the experience of the real thing. That's called idolatry, when we worship and protect the means. It actually keeps us from the journey to the end. Religions should be understood as only the fingers that point to the moon, not the moon itself.

What are my possessions today? Do I possess them or they possess me? What are my attachments and addictions? What are my obsessions? What are my idols? What are those things (and those persons) in my life that keep me away from Jesus Christ and his wishes for me? Do I want to possess eternal life or possess things? Am I courageous enough (or ready) to face the answers?

Only God can satisfy my heart...