Rich Young Man
Monday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
Matthew 19:16-22 - A young man approached Jesus and said, “Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?” He answered him, “Why do you ask me about the good? There is only One who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He asked him, “Which ones?” And Jesus replied, “You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother; and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?” 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.
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“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.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
The story of the rich young man is such a sad story for several reasons. First, the rich young man actually seems to be good. He follows the Commandments. Also, the rich young man is interested in Jesus. He wants to go to heaven. Finally, most importantly, the rich young man is called by Christ. Jesus says to him, “…come, follow me.” But something is lacking. The man’s heart is divided. So, sadly, he turns Christ down.
Christ demands everything. Ultimately, we have to do more than follow the Commandments, or have an interest in Christ, or be called by Him. Ultimately, we have to be willing give up everything that stands between us and Christ. This is a very difficult thing for many people. But those that do so are able to because they have learned that, really, Christ is everything. St. Paul says, “I have accepted the loss of all things and I consider them so much rubbish, that I may gain Christ” (Phil 3:8). By choosing Christ over all other things, we are not losing. We are gaining everything!
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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