all or nothing
"A man came running up, knelt down before Him and asked, 'Good Teacher, what must I do to share in everlasting life?' " —Mark 10:17
The young rich man was brought up by good God-fearing parents. He had kept all the commandments from his youth (Mk 10:20). He only needed to do one more thing. But he had to do that, or he would never enter God's kingdom. "Jesus looked at him with love and told him, 'There is one thing more you must do. Go and sell what you have and give to the poor; you will then have treasure in heaven. After that, come and follow Me.' At these words the man's face fell. He went away sad, for he had many possessions" (Mk 10:21-22).
The young man apparently missed out on God's kingdom although he was so good and did everything but one thing. His only sin was that he wouldn't give everything. The disciples "were completely overwhelmed at this, and exclaimed to one another, 'Then who can be saved?' " (Mk 10:26)
Yes, the Christian life is giving everything; 99% won't do. It costs everything to buy the precious pearl of God's kingdom (Mt 13:46). The first and most basic commandment is: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind" (Lk 10:27).
The crucified Jesus gave all. Can we give any less?
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for taking all of me.
Promise: "Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, He Who in His great mercy gave us new birth." —1 Pt 1:3
Praise: Andrew gave up his job and his girlfriend to answer God's call to the priesthood.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet Seek First the Kingdom.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 12, 2017
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