What good must I do to gain eternal life? – Mt 19:16-22
This question is aquestion that we should ask Jesus: what shall I do? What is important, however, is the meaning of this question, the intention with which we ask it. How did the man of today's gospel put it?
In response, the Lord Jesus points out to him the commandment known to him: do not kill, do not commit adultery. Characteristically, these are the commandments from the second table, that is, those that refer to neighbor. All of these I have observed. What do I still lack? (cf. Mt 19:20)
And here the problem arises, is it possible to say so unequivocally and without hesitation that I followed everything? If so, in what case? I think that only when we understand these commandments formal and literally, then we clearly define the scope of their validity. However, it is not so easy, when we penetrate into their depths. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus explains to us the sense of the commandments, shows their true meaning. The commandments then remain for us a constant appeal to the heart. The man who came to the Lord Jesus was clearly anxious. But he wanted to satisfy that anxiety with certainty. He wanted to hear the requirements he could fulfill and ensure his salvation. But he heard something else: “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” (cf. Mt 19:21)
It completely broke him. He could not afford to give up his fortune and follow the Lord Jesus. Here we see the line that this man has drawn for himself, perhaps without realizing it.
It seems that in each of us there are such limits that prove that God is not in the first place with us. And salvation, however, works on the basis of seeking the ultimate security that can be obtained for something, for some good deeds.
Eternal life, however, is something else entirely. We receive salvation by entrusting ourselves to a living God. This is what this young man lacked. At the words of the Good Teacher, the Lord Jesus sends him back to God - the only Good who speaks to us above all in conscience. In other words: listen to the Good One, God in your conscience.
The question of specific works to be done seems for this man an escape from the voice of conscience, from the deeper call that he heard in his heart. Hence the Lord Jesus' answer, which in the Gospel according to Mark is: You lack one thing (cf. Mk. 10:21). He does not fully follow God's voice. The goods of this world prevent him from fully opening up to God.
Our calling is different, and therefore our places and tasks are different. However, it is always important that we do not run away from the call that appears in the depths of our heart.
Until Tomorrow
fr. george