Homily: August 19, 2024, Monday of the Twentieth week in Ordinary time (Gain Eternal life)

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 “All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?”

I admire the young man in today’s Gospel. His question “what do I still lack?” shows that he was seeking deeper, he knew whatever he was doing was not enough for him to gain eternal life.

From the Gospel narrative, we understand that this young man had great wealth and was faithful to the commandments of the Lord. It seemed he was careful never to break the law.

So, what did he still lack?

Jesus went through the commandment checklist with him, but it's interesting to note that Jesus asked only the commandments which were about his relationship with others. He did not check on the first three commandments, which focused on his relationship with God.

“All of these I have observed” was his reply.

This young man was perfect in his observance of the law but imperfect in his relationship with others. He did not commit what he was required not to do, thus keeping the commandments, but he did not do what he could do, which was to help others live better.

So, what did he still lack?

He lacked love for others, he lacked love for God. Thus, Jesus told him the way to live the perfect life: “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor…”

The young man’s observance of the commandments, and his search for eternal life was focused on himself. He wanted the good life, with his wealth and comfort, and he wanted eternal life, with his wealth and comfort too. That is why he was not able to do what Jesus recommended, he could not detach from his wealth to help others, those poorer than him.

He was not able to give up his wealth in exchange for eternity. He was not willing to give others a better life in exchange for his own eternal life. He loved his wealth more than he loved God.

Jesus reminds us, "What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?"

Eternal life brings eternal happiness. Do you want it enough to be willing to give up your earthly happiness?

Let us ask ourselves, “What do I still lack?”

This gospel passage ends with the young man walking away sad, but I always wonder if he would one day thereafter, walk back happy, with all his possessions given away to the poor, and follow Jesus.

We all are lacking, we are all work-in-progress, but let us not end there. May we one day be able to let go of everything we own in this world, and follow Jesus, free from unnecessary worldly baggage. May we lack the world but be full of heaven.

Amen.


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