Homily, October 13, 2024
From The Pastor
The story of the Rich Young man is timeless and universal. Why? In one way or another, the story is a mirror or an image of the lives of so many of us. For many people, the story is easily dismissed because the young man is rich. Most people are not rich, so they do not strongly identify with the story. Even those who are rich in the wealth and goods of the world may not see themselves as rich knowing others who are richer than they. Money and wealth are funny that way. More than enough never seems to be enough.
The overall theme today is wisdom. Wisdom as a spiritual truth is only known in God. Wisdom is the Spirit of God; the Spirit of love that directs the mind and heart of the believer. Wisdom is the way, the truth, and the life of Jesus. Those who follow Jesus wholeheartedly will come to know this. Wisdom is the seedbed of inner peace that has found the pearl of great price for which all is sold to attain it. The path may be difficult, but the inner peace of wisdom secures the way.
The rich young man is a good person who seeks the way of God. Notice the man’s excitement running up to Jesus, kneeling before him and asking his question. He desires to know the way to inherit eternal life. This is a universal human longing. We all want to know the answer to this question. Jesus directs him through the Commandments to which he confidently affirms his fidelity. He has followed all the rules and happy to say so.
This young man seems to miss that Jesus looks at him with love, loving him, and seeing in him a deep desire for the truth of God. Seeing this goodness in the man, Jesus shares this wisdom: “Go sell what you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come and follow me.” Jesus wants the goodness of this man’s heart to share in the work of the gospel. Jesus acts on his love for him, saying “come, follow me.” Be one with us.
In what seems a stunning contradiction, the man walks away sad for the sake of his many possessions. What happened? Where did his zeal for God go and his desire to inherit eternal life? Simple answer is that he loved and depended on his possessions more that he could trust in the way of God. What does this story say to you? How might this interaction have something to do with you or me?
Everyone has a ‘one thing.’ For the rich man it was money and possessions. Is there one thing that would tempt you to walk away from God, sadly?
To believe in God and find the joy of Divine wisdom means that God is number one. God is our inner center. God becomes the deepest identity and purpose that motivates all movements and actions of life. God cannot be one more tool in the tool belt of life so we can fix and figure out our own way. Note in the opening question of the rich man, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” On his own, the man can do nothing, least of all find his own way to God.
Like the rich man, what might be your ‘one thing’ that hinders a full and trusting surrender to God’s invitation? For some, it is reputation, ego, or success. For others, its security and control against fear and vulnerability. Still others, self-sufficiency, the need to do it themself, refusing the need for others. Some resist giving up the life they have made for themself, by themself. We all have favorite comforts, conveniences, pillows, jackets, jewelry, or various keepsakes. We all know in the gift of wisdom (first reading) gold is a little sand, and ‘silver is accounted mire.’
I cannot help but think of those in the ravages of hurricane Helene. All of life changed. The security and stability of daily life disappeared. For too many, the immediate reality is survival; food, water, shelter, loved ones. Even in the reality of their despair, the greater number have turned to God. I have heard in many of the accounts and videos: ‘at least we are alive,’ ‘God spared us.’ God protected us.’ ‘We did not lose anyone. We all got out safe.’ ‘Thanks be to God.’
Wisdom is not only finding yourself but in finding yourself you find God at your center and realize you are home. You know you are not alone; that you belong to God. Belonging to God you realize your life is not your own but is for those who enter and pass through your life. This is the joy and the fruit of wisdom. Walking away sad would never cross your mind.
Did the rich man ever come back to Jesus? I heard it said that the rich man was Matthew the tax-collector who finally came to Jesus. Some say it was Zacchaeus the tax-collector who accepted and surrendered to the Lord’s invitation. Could that be true? What about you?
If you discover a ‘one thing,’ offer it to Jesus and see what he can do with it. Full hearted faith in the power of Jesus learns the way to eternal life.
Father John Esper
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