Readings: Ezek. 24:15-24, Deut.32:18-21, Matt. 19:16-22
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.
WHY WE SHOULD NOT BE TOO MUCH ATTACHED TO THE THINGS OF THIS PASSING WORLD
In our societies today, people will go to great lengths to acquire properties, treasures, fame, influence, and power that will last from one to ten generations without considering what will lead to eternal life. This is quite disturbing when we reflect on the negative effects of this situation in our societies and families today.
This ugly behaviour is exactly the mindset of the young man in our Gospel passage today, who claimed to have kept all the commandments without realising that he had actually abandoned the fundamental principle of the commandment, which has to do with loving and caring for our neighbours, especially the poor.
So Jesus draws his attention to this fundamental principle of our human existence, when he said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go and sell what you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me”. This really touched his ego and pride, so he suddenly became very sad and dejected and went away sorrowfully.
This is why a proud and possessive person will find it difficult to remain faithful in their relationship with God and their neighbours just like the people of Israel in our first reading, who have constantly been disobedient and proud in their relationship with God and their neighbours. This ugly attitude is leading them to destruction.
Thus, God addressed them through the prophet Ezekiel, telling them that unless they changed, they would all be crushed and conquered by the Babylonians. For their city, their whole kingdom, their king and people, their proud Temple built by King Solomon would be torn down and destroyed, all because of their infidelity to God’s commandment.
Dear friends, what is it in this passing world that you are so much attached to? Today, Jesus touched the very thing that this young rich man was not ready to give up: his money, his houses, his credentials, his power, pride and all his wealth. But, if we are honest enough, we will admit that we all have some things we would be very slow to let go of if Jesus should make the same demand of us. Things we would not like God to ask us to give up.
In fact, it might be a good thing today for us to ask ourselves, what would be the most difficult thing for us to give up if Jesus should ask us to do so. It might be something we own, like our house, or it might be a relationship, or our job, or our wealth. Whatever we possess that will separate us from our mission of following Jesus and loving our neighbours, today we are called to give it up and come follow the Lord. That is why we should not be too attached to the things of this passing world.
LET US PRAY: Heavenly Father, we are so much attached to things of this passing world; help us to know that excessive attachment to our earthly possessions could be an obstacle on our way to your Kingdom. Give us the grace to let go of things that often separate us from you as we learn to share with our neighbours especially the poor. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a great week ahead.
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