Lent is around the corner. In the Gospel’s today a man meets Jesus and goes away sad (Mark 10:22). It is the only time in all the Gospels that someone who was called by Jesus went away sad. This meeting between the man and Jesus showed such promise and yet ended so badly.
This episode was reported by three of the four Gospel writers: Matthew 19:21; Luke 18:22; and Mark
The disturbing thing is that we can see aspects of ourselves in this man also which begs the question, “are we going away sad or happy when we meet Jesus in the many ways in which we meet him?” Let’s look at some of the things we may have in common with the man.
The desire of each one of us to grow closer to God. Saint Augustine says it will “Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.” Like the rich young man, you and I want to inherit eternal life. We genuinely seek to keep all the commandments.
As Jesus looked steadily at this man and loved him, so also he looks and loves us. Jesus appreciates our efforts to discern what he asks of us. Jesus appreciates our efforts to leave sin behind and live a new life of grace. Jesus appreciates our efforts to love God above all and to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Jesus never leaves us where He finds us. He desires to take us to the next level, no matter what that “next level” is.
As we step into the Holy Season of Lent this week, on Ash Wednesday, and are marked with ashes, let is thing about the “next level” in our relationship with Jesus. Let us think about the “next level” in our spiritual growth.”
One of the best ways Catholic prepare for the next level is by approaching the sacrament of reconciliation. I encourage each one of us to add “fasting”.
The “next level” demands total commitment from us. Jesus requests different things from different people. For the man he was asked to “sell all you have and follow me.” To you and I, Jesus may request something unique and different. How we respond to this invitation is unique too.
