Eighth Monday of Ordinary Time

“Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” At that statement, his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Knowing, loving, and serving God isn't just about ticking off boxes on a list of commandments. It is a way of life that requires us to give of ourselves without reservation or hesitation. It is a way of life that requires good works as well as prayers. It is a way of life that means making sacrifices and being willing to mortify ourselves. These requirements move us beyond just fulfilling the letter of the laws to fulfilling their spirit. This is the most important thing: to go sell whatever worldly things we have and follow God to heaven.

Are we following the letter of the commandments, but not their spirit? What is lacking in our faith lives? How can we gain the strength to sacrifice what we have in order to follow God?

O Lord, may we be willing to sacrifice everything and follow you.

Amen.