Jesus’ Life: Chapter 12 – Jesus’ Ministry In Judea
If we do good, more good comes from it; don’t you think?
When a rich young man approached Jesus and asked, what he must do to gain eternal life, he probably felt overjoyed when Jesus said, “Keep the commandments;” he had kept them all his life.
However, Jesus then added, “If you wish to be perfect, go sell your possessions and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
The man was very rich and earthly wealth meant a lot to him; he had probably worked very hard and felt he deserved it. Now he was being asked to work hard again but in a very unexpected way.
Are you rich?
Most of us do not fall into the very wealthy category but we rightly ask if we are doing what is proper with our money.
Riches are relative. If for instance, you are a family of four living in a rich country, the smallest bedroom in your average sized home may be larger than the entire house of a similar family in a poor country – four people and one room for washing, cooking, eating, sleeping, working, etc.
Our wealth depends on how much money we have left over after paying for the basics in life; food, shelter, education and health, i.e. assuming we can pay for the basics! Tonight an estimated one in eight people will go to bed hungry (WFP) and for many, education and health are unaffordable
Lots to think about! (Matthew 19:16-22, Mark 10:17-22, Luke 18:18-23)
Thought
Our riches are a gift from God, be grateful as you receive and open-hearted as you share, especially to the poor.
Reflection
Lord Jesus, open my eyes to the wealth you have bestowed on me and the misery of the poor.
Prayer: The Service of the Poor
Make us worthy, Lord,
to serve our brothers and sisters throughout the world,
who live and die in poverty and hunger.
Give them, through our hands,
this day their daily bread,
and by our understanding love,
give them peace and joy.
Make us, Lord,
worthy to serve our brothers and sisters,
scattered all over the world,
who live and die alone and poor.
Give them today, using our hands, their daily bread.
And, using our love, give them peace and happiness. Amen.
