April 17
Matthew 19:16-30
The Rich and the Kingdom of God
REFLECTION
This story is found in all three Synoptic Gospels with their usual individual take on it. Lukes’s gospel refers to a “certain ruler” whereas others just refer to a man. Luke seems to make the emphasis even greater than just giving up wealth. Although it is implicit that those with wealth hold power Luke makes it obvious by calling him a ruler.
Mark points out that Jesus loved the young man when he said that he had kept all those commandments. Jesus had compassion for him recognising the inner struggle this young man had. It is not bad to have wealth, power, and influence. So much good can be done for the wellbeing of all in society by those in power. Surely that is what National and Local Government is all about. Sadly, power is misused, and people are reluctant to give it up. They become attached to status and power.
Attachment is a stumbling block to our spiritual maturity. They can be a distraction and get in the way of a fulfilling life. Our mind is focused on the attachment clouding our judgement, decisions, and responses. A fear of losing what we are attached to again directs our actions. We do all we can to hang on to them. An unhealthy attachment is when we become obsessed with the object of our attachment. We believe we cannot live without it. To let go of the attachment does not mean we let go the person, the job, the hobby. It just means we do not become dependent upon it for our wellbeing.
We need to be prepared to give everything up to follow Jesus. Abraham was asked to give up his only son, Isaac. He trusted God and was prepared to do so only for that willingness to be rewarded. Abraham’s faith was counted as righteousness. Jesus tells us that all is possible through God. Looking at our own lives are we people of faith who trust that God will provide for our spiritual health and growth?
QUESTIONS
- What are your attachments, this maybe possessions, position, or a person?
- How do your attachments affect your spiritual life?
- How prepared are you to give up your attachments to follow Jesus?
