You have forgotten God who gave you birth. — Deuteronomy 32:(see 18)

Mass Readings: Ezekiel 24:15-24 / Matthew 19:16-22 

‘Follow Me’ 

The young man in conversation with Jesus in today’s Gospel represents each one of us. We too come to Jesus seeking eternal life, happiness with God forever. The young man claims he has obeyed all the commandments, and so Jesus challenges him further to sell all that he has and give to the poor, and “Then come, follow me.” 

The young man refuses this most important invitation. He goes away sad because he wouldn’t follow the Lord. He was encumbered by things that he loved more than God. The commands and invitations of God are always given for our own good and the good of others. How often have I made myself sad by not obeying God’s commandments, by not giving up what God invites me to give up, by not following Jesus? 

Prayer: Dear Jesus, help me to leave behind whatever hinders me from following You.