What do I still lack?

Readings: 1^st: Ez 24:15-24; Ps: Dt 32:18-19.20. 21; Gos: Mt 19:16-22

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico, the island of enchantment. He is the Chancellor of the Dioceses of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico; the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic. For more details and comments contact him at:  canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Today, is the Monday of the twentieth week of ordinary time. Today’s gospel is very interesting.

It highlights the fact that, a truly rich person is one who possesses true wisdom and not just material wealth alone. It also, reminds us of how material wealth could be a grave obstacle to true wisdom.

The rich man in today’s gospel came to justify himself, and to parade his religious piety. Indeed, Christ appreciated his effort.

However, he knew that the rich man lacked something very important. Hence, Christ diagnosed him of only problem. This is, attachment to his wealth.

This was his “Achilles heel”. According to his testimony, it seemed to him that he had done “all things well.” Unfortunately, his weak spot was his untouchable area.

He walked away sad without dropping it before Christ. He failed the “acid test.” He did all things well, but lacked the wisdom to understand that the key to eternal life was “detachment” from this world.

There are some lessons to learn from today’s gospel. First, we might have a weak spot unknown to us. Only the wisdom of God can help us illuminate this.

Second, at times, it seems to us that we have done “all things well.” Unfortunately, pride and love of this world makes it difficult for us to see the true reality of our lives.

Third, we must not allow material wealth to become an obstacle between us and eternal life. Today, Christ teaches us that attachment to wealth is the easiest way to forsake God.

This is because, attachment to wealth over burdens and alienates one’s soul. It makes our spiritual journey very heavy, difficult, and almost impossible.

Finally, in other to be truly wise in our dealings with the wealth of this world, we must seek the wisdom and understanding that comes from God.

Peace be with you.

Maranatha!