28TH SUNDAY, YEAR B: REFLECTION BY FR. JULIAN EKEH
THEME: THE CHOICE BETWEEN LEAVING AND LIVING; LEAVING SAD OR LIVING GLAD
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The gospel of today is a
beautiful story about a person with a lovely beginning who is in the quest for
an everlasting living. The beauty of the narrative is seen in the sincere
manner at which the rich young man approached Jesus concerning what to do to
inherit eternal life. Jesus gave him a list of some of the requirements. He
acknowledged having kept all these from his youth. Wow, interesting. Jesus
looked steadily on him and loved him. Jesus loved him because he wasn't mincing
words. He actually kept all these commandments. Jesus is very happy at the
efforts we make to be good. Our sincere struggle to be good gives him joy. But
he wishes that we do not relax at the good we think we are doing till they become
better as the day go by.
That was another reason why He
loved this young man. Even as he was doing all these he still inquired into
what else is needed for him to be better. If the above last reason was his
motive Jesus was and should of course give him kudos for his quest. But if on
the other hand his whole race towards Jesus, his kneeling at his feet and his
asking that question was just to be given an immediate promotion into the
kingdom of God, then he is going to be disappointed. How often do we want to be
celebrated for our achievements? How often do you feel sad when you're required
to do it right by your superiors and guardians?
When Jesus after loving this
young man told him what was remaining for him to gain eternal life, his
countenance changed, the smile on his face went on exile, the love he possessed
for Jesus was aborted. He gave up the quest, he chose death instead of this type
of life. He left sad. He queried: What is living without having? What is life
without money? What is health without wealth? what is ability without necessary
amenities?
He was blinded by his wealth. He
came for enlightenment and left with darkness. He came happy and instead of
leaving happier he left worse. We sing: "when I come into your presence am
so happy..." This man came and saw happiness but chose sadness. May this
never be your portion.
The Lord today is placing before you joy, goodness and Life. Choose life and live. What are the riches in your life stopping you from entering into life everlasting? Are you taking these haves as end in themselves? Are you not supposed to use them to buy yourself what wealth in the real sense cannot buy? Do you realise that the things that distract you from focusing on eternity are supposed to help you realise eternity? Why have you decided to be bought over by things you are expected by Christ to sell in order to have life? The Lord Jesus doesn't want you to drown in the ocean of ephemerals. He rather wishes you have life and have it in abundance.
BLESSINGS
As you make the great choice to live today may God help you to leave everything that hinders you from achieving life. May you not leave from today's Eucharistic celebration sad. May you be glad and glorify the Lord with the riches he has given you. And may heaven be your eternal reward. May your beautiful beginnings bring you to a beautiful end through Christ our Lord. Amen.
HAPPY SUNDAY TO YOU (28th Sunday, Ordinary Time, Yr B)
Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh
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