Wisdom 7:7-11 Hebrews 4:12-13 Mark 10:17-30

If there is one lesson aging has taught me, it is that every yes contains a no. If I say yes to a volunteer opportunity that excites me, I will have to say no to some other things because I will not have enough time or stamina. If I say yes to a single big purchase, I will have to look for places in the budget I can cut back a little.
We are finite beings. None of us has unlimited time, energy, financial resources. Anyone who has been faithful to a diet or exercise regimen realizes that some no’s are required to attain a more highly prioritized yes.
The most difficult choices we have occur when we are faced with two options, both of which are good. That is the dilemma facing the young man who approaches Jesus in today's gospel.
Apparently, he is a fine young man committed to his spiritual growth. He says that he has conscientiously obeyed the commandments “from his youth.”Now he is looking for something more than living a good life. His focus is eternal life.
His seeking must have been truly genuine, given the response Jesus makes. "Jesus, looking at him, loved him .” The choice Jesus offers the young man is, "Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me. “
There is nothing intrinsically wrong with possessions, the young man's or ours. But faced with the choice of letting them go in order to follow Jesus or holding onto them, the young man chose possessions. The gospel says, "He went away sad for he had many possessions. “ He could not give a yes to Jesus if it would include a no to his material goods.
I feel pretty sure that everyone reading this reflection wants to give a yes to following Jesus. What, if anything, would that require saying no to? Does a life of discipleship require more time given to justice and charitable works? Maybe following Jesus more clearly would mean becoming more attentive to the needs of those around us than to our own needs. Maybe more time spent in quiet prayer or meditation instead of with television or social media would make us better disciples. Some of us may be fortunate enough to find ourselves in the position of the rich young man, “burdened” with “many possessions ". (And, remember, scripture says that two coats is one too many!)
It might be profitable for each of us to sit with this gospel this week and ask Jesus if there is anything to which we are called to say no in order to give him a fuller yes.
by: Pat Schnee
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