Jesus said to him, “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.” When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions. (Mt 19: 16-22)
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081924.cfm
What is the cost of discipleship, to be able to follow him? It is a challenge we must all face throughout our lives. There is a scene in the movie, Becket, where the recently named Archbishop of Canterbury is required to give away all his possessions. Becket is in the hall of the monastery giving away all his possessions to the poor, when he looks up at the wall, sees the Crucifix, and says to himself, “It’s so easy.” Of course, as the story goes on, it will become exceedingly more difficult.
These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.
Monday, Week XX, Ordinary Time
