Letting Go by Pat Marrin “Many who are first will be last, and the last will be first” (Matt 19:30). Even the disciples were shocked to learn that money cannot buy happiness or salvation. Money is power. It buys not just better food, clothing and shelter, but convenience and choice, freedom from the common lot, from waiting in line, from the feeling of insecurity that comes from wondering if there will be enough, now and in the future. When Jesus invited the rich young man to give up his wealth to follow him, he was not asking him to live in poverty, just uncertainty and, no doubt, greater simplicity and in community without status and rank. No more servants paid to be attentive to him, his comfort and needs. But the loss was for gain, letting go of stuff to take hold of a new identity, a purpose larger than himself, the joy of responsibility and the freedom of those who risk it all for love. The young man felt this love calling him, showing him the trap and the illusions built into his former state and inviting step into life, real life. He went away sad, for he had many possessions. His wealth would carry him until it ran out, or his capacity to benefit from it slipped away as age and illness stripped him, as it does everyone in preparation for death. The adventure of following Jesus would be the dream that got away, the road less traveled, the freedom and joy he could not imagine. The value of discipleship is in its cost, everything for everything. Every fool in love knows this. The biggest fool of all is passing by today.
Posted on: Wed, 21 Aug 2013 09:35:28 +0000
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