As he was setting out on a journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, ‘Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: “You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; You shall not defraud; Honor your father and mother.” ’ He said to him, ‘Teacher, I have kept all these since my youth.’ Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, ‘You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money* to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.
- Mark 10:17-22
These past few days have made me see with a whole new light how rich my life was in social engagements, civic commitments, consumer gratification, and the liberty of choice. With a limited ability, and an even more limited security, in going about to indulge these facets of my life, I have been faced with the choice to hoard my attachments to these things and dwell in my indignation that they have been taken away from me, or to let go of these non-essential items and embrace every moment of health and every step in the sun.
This is a time of humility which as laid me low and encouraged me to tend to God's work - looking after loved ones, making an extra effort for those in greatest need, praying for the ill and departed, and taking stock in the simple pleasures of life and breathe. 'Lilies of the field,' has continued to cross my mind as the news, the waiting, and the anxieties of these times touch upon my frailty and of the great depth of care our Keeper provides. This is a time to cash out our jealously guarded pride and walk the path of Jesus.
Holy God, even in times such as these, we acknowledge the joy you have given us. Thank you for this life, and for the opportunity to love. Amen.
