Everything?

How much is everything?

Today we hear the sad story of the rich young man.

He's sad because he's not ready to give up everything he has, and follow Jesus.

It’s certainly good to give to the poor.

And Jesus makes it clear many times, that he has a special love for the poor.

But his message isn’t that we should give up everything solely for the sake of the poor.

Or even so that we can become one of the poor.

It’s that we should give up everything so that we can follow him more nearly.

So that we can spread the Gospel and live the Gospel.

Give up everything so that we’re not distracted.

How much is everything?
Everything we have that's extra?
Everything except what we think we need for the future?
Everything except one tunic and a pair of sandals?

A simple answer is that everything means—everything.

But how can giving up everything work for us in today’s world?

Maybe a few of us could leave here this afternoon.

Quit our jobs if we’re still working.

Give away all our possessions.

And set out to spread the Gospel through words and acts.

There are saints who have done that.

Some of us may be called to do that.

But for most of us, that seems impossible.

We have responsibilities and obligations

What if everyone actually did that?
We’d need a very different society and a very different economy

To allow most, or even many, people to follow that path.

Even if we’re not caught up in materialism.

Even if we’re extremely generous.

Even if we’re truly dedicated to serving God.

Giving up all our possessions seems far too impractical.

Even irresponsible.

So what then does Jesus’ message mean to us?

We each have to find our own answer to that question.

And our answer may change as our circumstances change.

It’s a question that we need to deeply consider and revisit from time to time.

Maybe every few months.
And indeed, a day will come for each of us.

When our clear answer will be that simple answer.

Everything means everything.

But until then, what’s the right answer?

Today, for me, how much is everything?

Monday, 20th Week of  Ordinary Time

Mt 19:16-22         Read this Scripture @usccb.org