Reflections: The rich man

Mark 10:17-27

As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before Him, and asked Him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: ‘You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother.’ ” He replied and said to him, “Teacher, all of these I have observed from my youth.” Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to [the] poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to pass through [the] eye of [a] needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.”

Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor; then come, follow Me

Jesus’ demand is clear and simple. But some prefer tithing and proudly give 10% of their earnings for the works of the Lord in their church. We, Catholics, say that even if it is just ten cents, like the widow’s mite, as long as it is from the heart, the Lord will joyfully accept.

So which is right? If we wish to follow the Lord, he is not after only our 10% or what our hearts can freely give. He wants us to offer our all.

Can we give totally to the Lord and for the Lord? We wish to keep a portion for ourselves to feel secure and say, “Oh, Lord, I’ll settle for the 10%, OK?”

A monk has given up and left everything but continues to feel empty. He sees a vase he has kept for sentimental reasons. He takes the vase and throws it out of the room where it breaks into small pieces. He is finally free.
source: “365 Days with the Lord 2011,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.,); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: