St James Catholic Church

We come to church in various states of disrepair. Perhaps we are worn down by an exhausting week of work. Perhaps we are trying to cope with family or marital difficulties. Perhaps we have been wracked by grief, or guilt, or despair. The truth is that this is the human condition. We’re human, we’re imperfect. We would do well to recognize this. We need to repent, to forgive, to reconcile. We need to look to God, who makes all things perfect.

Today we hear Jesus challenge the man who pressed him for more insight after being told he must observe the commandments. He responds that he’s done that. Jesus then tells him that if he sells his possessions and gives the proceeds to the poor, he will have treasure in heaven. A few weeks from now, we will hear Jesus say that the greatest commandment is to love God and love our neighbor as yourself. Today we hear him give a lesson on that second part. Anyone who is poor is our neighbor. If we love our neighbor, then we will want to help them out, whether they live on the next block or in the third world.

We may feel that we’ve earned our possessions, and in a sense we may be right. We’ve worked hard in our career and have steadily received raises. We’ve scrimped and saved for decades, foregoing luxuries, and have a nice nest egg. We’ve cared for our parents in their old age and have inherited their wealth. But is it not God given talents, intelligence, strength, and abilities that enable us to do all those things? Perhaps it is wise to regard our possessions as transitory, making it easier to part with. This is the choice Jesus invites us to make today. Will we follow our belongings, our bank accounts, our wealth? Or will we sacrifice those to follow him?

Love, Peace, Joy,

Fr. Bob