This morning at Mass, Father LeRoy read the Gospel where a young man asked Jesus what he must do to have eternal life. Jesus told him to keep the commandments. The young man said he had already done that, but he wanted to know what more he needed. Then Jesus said something so hard—it almost made me hold my breath. He told him to sell all that he had, give it to the poor, and then come and follow Him. The young man walked away sad, because he had too many things he didn’t want to let go of.
On the way home, Sister Mary Claire explained it in her soft way. She said Jesus wasn’t being mean, but loving—showing the young man that to be close to Him, he had to be free of what tied him down. Sister told me that sometimes even little things—like clinging to my own way—can keep me from following Jesus more fully.
Mini trotted ahead, wagging her bottom like she was leading us, free as could be. Sister pointed and smiled, saying, “See, Kathy, Mini carries nothing but joy, and so she can run happily after us.”
I wonder if I could let go like that. Maybe not give away riches, since I have none, but give Jesus my stubbornness or my fears. Then I too could follow Him more freely.
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