AletheiAnveshana

 

Security in Jesus

Wis 7:7-11; Heb 4:12-13; Mk 10:17-30 (B 28)

“..come after me, will receive a hundredfold in return and will possess eternal life” (Divine Office)

 

 A wealthy young man observing all the laws from his childhood asked Jesus what he would need still to inherit eternal life. Jesus recommended him to give up his attachment to the wealth and share some wealth with the poor and follow him. He did not like Jesus’ proposal. He left Jesus. Why Jesus was so cautious about wealth?

 

Jesus was not opposed to wealth per se, nor to the wealthy. He had many friends who were wealthy. He teaches us to utilize wealth in a correct way. And he reiterates of the Old Testament wisdom, “Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is perverse in his ways” (Prov 28:6; Ps 37:16); “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; be wise enough to desist” (Prov 23:4). Having wealth itself is not a sin. But misplacing one’s own security and trust in wealth could lead one away from the very purpose and meaning of life. Wealth can make us falsely independent. The church at Laodicea was warned about their attitude towards wealth and a false sense of security: “For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing”. The rich man in the Gospel said, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years; take your ease; eat, drink, and be merry” (Lk 12:19). Jesus answered, “What is the use gaining the whole world and losing the soul?” (Mt 16:26).

 

Why does Jesus tell his disciples to “sell all” for the treasure of his kingdom? Treasure has a special connection to the heart, the place of desire and longing. The Lord himself is the greatest treasure we can have. That is the greatest joy. Jesus’ expression “sell all” could mean many different things such as letting go of attachments, false friendships, false influences, restless jobs, unnecessary entertainments, hypocritic style of life that might stand in the place of loving God first. We are invited to “sell” these things to gain Jesus.

 

The disciples said to Jesus, “We have given up everything and followed you” meaning to say what would be the reward?  Jesus promises them the priceless treasures of his kingdom such as freedom from fear, gripping power of sin, selfishness and pride, freedom from loneliness. This is the reward which we cannot buy. He alone can truly satisfy the deepest longing and desires of our heart. Are we willing to part with anything that might keep us from seeking true joy with Jesus?

 

Jesus called young man to place his hope and security in him. He gives us the same call. If we wish to enter into a personal relationship with him, we must empty ourselves so that Jesus can fill us with his treasure. “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5:3).

 

“The peace of Christ … surpasses all understanding and keep your minds and hearts in him” (Divine Office)