... And Come Follow Me

The story of the young man and Jesus today continues on the Discipleship theme in St. Mark.  We are told that though the young man has been faithful in the rules and regulations of the religion, the faith challenge to give up everything he has is a difficult one indeed.  Jesus follows up with the commentary that it is as difficult for a wealthy person to enter the Kingdom of God, as it is a camel to pass through a narrow opening in a wall. 

While this is a good story to speak about the difficulties that the accumulation of wealth poses, and how greed can be a personal, as well as a social Sin, the story is about so much more.  It is not only money that carries us away from God, or poses the greatest difficulties from encountering God, but it is also the need to control, to be 'right,' lack of understanding or compassion, the need of popularity, self-centered-ness.  At Mass today I spoke about my fixation of being on time, and starting on time.  While punctuality is good, I can drive some people goofy with my adherence to schedule. 

Jesus tells the Disciples today, and those that seek him, we have to be courageous enough to fully trust in God's call and invitation to be followers of the Christ.  We only have to look at The Blessed Virgin Mary, Francis of Assisi,  or Catherine of Sienna, to understand that saying "Yes" to God is a matter of faith, which does not always offer us a detailed plan, or information.  Being a Disciple means being led by God relying on his grace and blessing.

I remember a time in a parish far away, after Mass a recent widow began to talk about late husband.  In the middle of her conversation I looked at my watch.  She apologized for keeping me, since "Father I know you are so busy" and walked away.  I will never forget that and take great pains not to look at time pieces when I am speaking with someone.  But what other stuff precludes us from operating as God's holy people.

So we pray to the Holy Spirit for wisdom, right judgement, understanding, patience, compassion, and perseverance.  The cross is their to point the way to salvation and joy.  It is not too difficult if we put everything else down and let Christ help us carry it.