The recipe seems pretty clear in today’s Gospel – do these things and get your ticket into heaven!
The perfect recipe for salvation, based on the understanding of the Commandments by Jesus and His added commandment for charity.
But it’s amazing how we can make exceptions to the rules. How we can rationalize our behavior in order to feel better about the things we do.
“If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He asked him, “Which ones?” And Jesus replied, “You shall not kill;”
OK, that seems pretty straight forward. Not many of us go walking around killing people every day. If you are, then please stop and seek forgiveness and mercy.
On the other hand, it’s OK to have an abortion, right? It’s not really a baby until it’s born. And besides, shouldn’t every baby be born out of love and perfect health?
And what about grandma? She is getting so old … she seems to be in so much pain. Shouldn’t we do the humane thing and put her out of her misery?
A slippery slope that leads to mankind playing God. That is never a good thing.
Jesus also lists the commandments against adultery, stealing, lying, not honoring your father and your mother.
I’m quite sure that given enough time, we could come up with excuses for these sins, as well. Perhaps you have already done so.
There are exceptions to every rule, right? Rules are made to be broken, eh? Or at least to be bent a little?
After all, we’re not perfect. I’m sure Jesus understands … he was human, too.
Does that stealing thing count if we pocket extra change from a drive-through window? Or if the bank makes an error, can’t we keep the cash?
And that whole “love your neighbor” thing. Yeah, great idea. But does Jesus even know my neighbor? I’m going to have to think about that one. (Actually, you don’t. Love means love … not “like”).
You may not be able to tolerate your neighbors far and wide, but you must love them. Pray for them. Sacrifice for them. Push them into heaven so you can follow.
And then Jesus lays on the big one …
The young man said to him, “All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
How does one sell everything? Every … thing! … And still survive today?
Not an easy thing to teach. But it’s important to talk about the element of time. Timing is everything.
Jesus did not say sell everything now. But he implies that when you come face-to-face with our Lord, you should not – you cannot – bring along a lot of luggage (or baggage) tied to our possessions and passions, which will mean nothing in heaven.
In our parish, we talk a great deal about this concept of charitable giving these days.
Do you give the street beggar a $20 bill? Do you send a check every month to a Catholic charity? Do you give a little extra as the Sunday collection basket gets passed around?
All of which seems to be great opportunities, but fall short of the extreme commandment voiced by our Lord today. What do we do with this kind of lesson?
Well, that is up to each of us, according to our own circumstances … our own consciences.
Here, I like to rely on the concept of natural law. It’s foolish to demand some sort of exact interpretation of “how much should I give” from the Church. As much as the Church knows about us and our need for salvation, she does not know our bank accounts or the many ways we give.
Natural law. Our conscience. Our free will. That little voice inside our head, or within our hearts, that speaks to us when we act, or fail to do so.
The decisions we make to try and satisfy Jesus’s seemingly impossible commandment today will be guided best by the way we feel when we give freely … or when we hold back because the rent is due.
With each decision, we must weigh many factors.
God does not demand that we make ourselves poor. Especially if your good wages give you the means to support charities in your community!
But he does ask us to exercise charity in all that we do … give as much as you can, even if it hurts.
Give to those you love, but also to those you do not know.
Give more than what is expected.
And if all goes right, by the time we die – by the time we truly meet Jesus face-to-face, we will be able to show them a big fat zero in our bank accounts …
Because we will have given away everything.
And gained everything by doing so.
