“Good master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

I’m quite sure it’s a question we have asked at one time or another. It’s probably true that for some of us the answer we got was not quite what we were hoping for.

Like the rich young man in today’s gospel we too, most likely, have something in our life that we have tremendous difficulty in parting with, or giving up for the sake of the Kingdom. I have often asked myself why is it so hard at times to live the life to which Jesus calls me.

The challenges of living out a Christian way of life confront us on a daily basis. I have learnt that without the right tools, it’s extremely difficult to accomplish some of my daily tasks at home, at work or even at play. I can recall the many times I attempted to do some repairs on my car without the correct tools. That only led to frustration, and in some instances it only compounded my efforts, not to mention the additional cost it incurred.

As we respond to Jesus’ call to detach ourselves from all that may pose obstacles to us in coming to know and in following him, let us always be reminded and be assured that Jesus is the truth and the way to the Father. The solution to the challenges of choosing and living a Christian way of life lies rooted in the relationship we have with Jesus.

What are the “riches” that Jesus warns against? They can be forms of addiction, a vice, money, our selfishness towards one another, pride that we may or may not be aware of and they surface in numerous other areas and aspects of our lives that falsely brand us as a people and as individuals. These encumbrances deny us that peace that passes all understanding.

“Yes, I am a Christian,” someone may proudly proclaim and others will say, they are not bad persons. From time to time we may do things that are not Christ-like but we follow the commandments and the teachings of the Catholic Church, just as the rich man.

 We may give alms regularly, we help the poor or other persons whom we know are less fortunate. Surely we do our part. At the same time, how many of us choose daily to follow Jesus in some things and not in others?

Why are we afraid to follow Jesus all the way? What are we scared of? Isn’t our love for Jesus real and enough? Why would we exchange it for wealth, prestige, friends and family? “In love there can be no fear, but fear is driven out by perfect love,” states 1 John 4:18.

Just as a child willingly trusts an adult to lead him safely, we too must extend our hand unconditionally to Jesus as he leads us in the here and now, and to the place he has already prepared—his heavenly paradise.

Come follow me, Jesus says, and the reward will be a hundred times over but he points out, “not without persecutions”, even the persecution that comes from within our own homes, Church and from self.

Are we like the disciples listening to Jesus, then questioning what we do not understand about his teachings, and lacking the trust and confidence to go all the way with him?

The disciples were, at times, anxious and afraid; during Jesus’ Passion they would deny all knowledge of him. The temptation will be no different for us who choose to follow him today.  Coming to follow Jesus means coming as is, knowing we have made the correct choice.

It requires a spirit of willingness to learn, to become teachable and an openness to what Jesus left us—his Holy Spirit. Ultimately, then, “Try to discover what the Lord wants of you” Ephesians 5:10.

Lord God, we thank you for your Son Jesus Christ and the gift of your love. We pray and ask for your continued grace that guides and sustains us daily as we strive to live the call of your Son Jesus to follow him. Father, we pray for an ongoing conversion through the power and presence of your Holy Spirit, Amen.

Gospel Meditations for the month of October are by Richard Gomez a teacher at Sacred Heart Boys’ and a layminister of the Cathedral/Sacred Heart parish