Tuesday of 20th Week, Year II: reflection

Theme: Nothing is impossible for God

Reading: Mt 19:23–30

One of the reasons why the young man in today’s gospel episode, which we started reading from yesterday, walked away from Jesus upon hearing Jesus’ directive that he should sell all he possessed and come and follow Him was because the young man believed that selling everything and giving the proceeds away in order to follow Jesus was an uninsured risk. His thoughts had convinced him that his life depended on his material possessions, and that he would not survive without them.

Dear friends, we frequently hear a voice telling us that if we let go of those things that cause us to turn away from Jesus, it will not be possible for us to survive on earth. This voice tells us that even though certain things in our lives go against the teachings of Jesus, that they are actually the only reason why we have food on our tables and can take care of our needs. Therefore, we often feel that separating from those things for the sake of Jesus would amount to condemning ourselves to endless suffering and practically making it impossible for us to survive the harsh economic situations of the world. These things could be material possessions, friends, jobs, positions, reputations, quests or lifestyle.

Although, in the eyes of men, it would be practically impossible for us to survive if we were to cut ourselves off from whatever feeds us but pulls us away from Jesus, such impossibility does not exist in the eyes of God. All those who courageously separate themselves from whatever is capable of stopping them (sinful sources of wealth and joy) from being true followers of Jesus God will not be disappointed by God. Rather, He will make possible what people believe to be impossible

The assurance that those who had separated themselves from certain things for the sake of Jesus will not be abandoned by God was expressed in today’s gospel. Peter’s response to Jesus was full of fear that those who had left everything and followed Jesus had lost everything. But Jesus assured him and the other disciples that all who have separated themselves from certain things for His sake, God will fulfil their dreams.

Dear friends, it is only the absence of Jesus in our lives that will make it impossible for us to survive in this harsh world; for cut off from Him, we can do nothing.

May your Tuesday be richly blessed. Amen

Fr Isaac C. Chima.