Today's Sermon in a Nutshell: Life insurance –

Today's Sermon in a Nutshell:

Life insurance – now that's a bit of a misnomer because the Life Insurance industry isn't really insuring life, but a hedge against the economic strain from a person's inevitable death; a policy aimed at helping to pay medical and funeral costs, etc.

Sadly, the rich, young man in today’s gospel lesson is trying to do just that: seeking an insurance policy stating that he is a good man – maybe even hoping for some word from Christ that he is "saved" – rather than simply leading a good and righteous life because God wills it.

Now on the one hand, we must admit that the young man went to the right place. Jesus is the agency which specializes in a long-term, secure life and with a tremendous motto: "I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25), as well as possibly the best sales pitch of all time: "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?" (Matthew 16:26).

Yet on the other, this young man makes the tragic error of desiring a mere policy of insurance as opposed to the actual "assurances" of his Lord and Savior. So my dear brothers and sisters, don't seek what you have no say over, but "seek first the Kingdom of God" and all else will fall into place.

Fr. John