Matthew 19

I believe that the rich young man in today’s gospel was sincere in his desire for eternal life. Jesus, who knows the thoughts of our minds and hearts, kindly invited this young man to his discipleship probably because he saw this young man’s genuine desire for eternal life. But Jesus also knew what was the obstacle for this young man to follow him. We don’t know if Jesus had already known this young man. But the conversation between the two shows this young man was just now telling his life to Jesus. And he asks what he was missing for eternal life. At this question, Jesus reveals he could see the inside of this young man’s soul and spirit. The obstacle was the attachment to his wealth. Jesus let him know the way to perfection. Jesus encouraged him to go beyond excellence to perfection. But it was too hard for this young man.

So often I am satisfied with mediocrity in the spiritual life and the ministry. But Jesus invites us to perfection beyond excellence. I doubt if we can enter life eternal with spiritual mediocrity. When I remain in spiritual mediocrity, my desire for eternal life is lukewarm. Even when I strive for spiritual excellence, often I discover that I am working for my pride and self-gratification. Spiritual perfection demands losing oneself. Spiritual perfection demands self-detachment. Spiritual perfection demands dying to oneself. The desire should be directed to the Lord, not to ourselves.

Each of us has a different obstacle to perfection. Most often, what we dearly love and adore becomes the greatest hindrance to our spiritual perfection. A spiritual journey is to learn how to detach oneself from all the good things in life. Otherwise, we stop and stay with our attachments, giving up our journey. And let us remember the door to eternal life is narrow. With lots of luggage, we cannot enter the door. I pray that my desire for the Lord grows stronger that I can give up all I love, all I have, and me myself and my will.