Today’s Sermon in a Nutshell: The Rich Young Man

Today’s Sermon in a Nutshell: The Rich Young Man

We live a world which The Rich Young Man our status by income levels and wealth. We are placed into categories such as rich, wealthy, upper middle class, middle class, lower middle class, poor, poverty stricken, and being below the poverty line. Yet as far as Christianity goes, there are only three basic states: being needy, having just what you need, and having more than you need.

Scripture teaches that if we have more than we need we should share with those who don’t, and in this way everyone would have enough and no would be go hungry or naked. Sadly, however, wealth tends to corrupt and create “want.” It forms a vacuum around the person that only allows them to see themselves and their possessions. And earthly riches, just like drinking saltwater, makes those who possess them thirsting for more; so much so that they are never satisfied with what they have, but are always desiring more and more and more.

This is what happened to the Rich Young Man in today’s gospel reading. He lived a righteous life and obeyed God’s Commandments, but he also loved his wealth, which was an inhibitor to him loving God above all else. He wanted eternal life, but not at the cost of his own possessions. That is why he “went away filled with sorrow,” because he couldn’t give up or share that which he had more than was necessary for his own life. 

Remember: you cannot grasp the Cross and your possessions at the same time. What you grip is what you love.

Fr. John