Homily: May 26, 2026 Tuesday of the Eighth week in Ordinary Time (Leave Everything)

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 "Peter began to say to Jesus, 'We have given up everything and followed you.'"

When I was young, I was very careful with my money, just like my mother. I hardly had much to start with, but I also hardly spent any of my pocket money, so with the little I had, I saved. I even made some money by collecting wild honey in the forest and took some spices from the family farm to sell in the market. Money was very important, and every cent I had meant a lot to me.

When I entered the seminary, I knew I would not want to join the religious orders as priest, because they have to take a vow of poverty. Diocesan priests do not need to, so I decided to be a diocesan priest.

Soon, I learnt to let go, and gradually I stopped clinging to things as if they defined me. After I joined the seminary, our parish was raising funds to purchase new vestments. Since I was not allowed to keep money with me in the seminary, my parents donated all my years of savings for that fund raising. I would have been very upset with that, if I had not already moved on.

Over the years, I have given up many things - mostly things that did not help me grow closer to God. And every time I let something go, I became a little more free, less burdened.

Today’s Gospel passage from Mark, is followed the rich young man coming to Jesus wanting to know how to inherit eternal life. Jesus knew what was holding him back. He invited the rich young man to sell all that he had, give to the poor, and follow Jesus. But he walked away sad because he had many possessions. He could not let go. His possessions possessed him. He could not be free.

Eternal life is not another possession. It is true freedom.

To be a disciple of Jesus, is to be truly free, we must be willing to give up everything, especially things that prevent us from following Jesus wholeheartedly.

The Gospel challenges us to look into our lives, our hearts: What is one thing I am holding on to, which keeps me from following Jesus more closely?

Perhaps it is pride. Perhaps it is anger, fear, a grudge, an addiction, a bad habit, an unhealthy relationship, wealth, status and so on.  Many things can hold us back.

Jesus says to sell it all, give it away, and follow Him.

Jesus does not ask us to let go to make us poor. He asks us to let go so that our hearts are free and He can fill us with something greater - His love, His grace, His joy and so we can inherit eternal life.

Amen.


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Homily: May 20, 2026 Holy Family School Graduation Mass

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