Monday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
Letting Go
“Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?”
At first glance, this seems like a commendable question. The young man approaches Jesus sincerely, eager to know what more he must do. He desires eternal life and assumes there is one final task to complete. But is there?
We often think of holiness as something to achieve. We perform good works, fulfill our religious obligations, and keep our devotions. These practices are essential, yet they can become a spiritual checklist. Something is still missing.
Jesus looks beyond outward observance and sees the one attachment keeping the young man from wholehearted discipleship: “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have… Then come, follow me.” Jesus does not condemn wealth itself. Rather, He exposes where the young man has placed his heart. To receive the gift of eternal life, he must let go of what possesses him and entrust himself to Christ.
In my own monastic life, I have surrendered many things. Some were far more difficult to leave behind than others. These sacrifices were not painless, but they have made my heart freer. Monastic poverty—the renunciation of personal possessions, family life, and personal independence—has opened me to richer communal life, deeper relationships, and the freedom to seek God above all else. I continue to entrust my life to Christ, trusting that whatever He asks me to surrender, He replaces with something greater.
For the Journey:
Today, ask the Lord to show you what He is inviting you to surrender for the sake of a greater glory.
Reflection by Br. Luke Kral, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections