Surrendering our Attachments

Sarah Damm contemplates how Jesus' statement about how hard it is for the rich to get to Heaven is about more than simply material wealth.

Today’s Gospel, Matthew 19:23-30, is one that we can easily overlook. We think to ourselves, “Well, I’m not particularly wealthy, so this doesn’t apply to me.” But if we ponder more deeply Jesus’ words, He is speaking about much more than monetary riches. Our Lord is referring to everything to which we can become attached. This can include people, relationships, habits, creature comforts, and material goods — big and small.

What am I holding on to?

Years ago, I heard a meditation on disordered attachments. Father used his watch as an example, explaining how well it serves him, because it helps him be more punctual. But even though his watch is helpful, he has to remain detached from it. In other words, it can’t mean too much to him. This caused me to pause and reflect: “How many things in my life am I willing to detach from at any moment? What about my cell phone? How about my coffee? Even my husband and children, I have to be willing to surrender back to God, if He calls me to do that.”

A sobering reality set in. The Lord gives and takes away. Can I bless His name in both? (see Job 1:21) Because if we can’t surrender our attachments, they become obstacles to our union with God, and therefore, we will not be able to enter the Kingdom of God, as Jesus says in today’s Gospel.

The good news, however, is this:

"Everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life.” (Matthew 19:29)

And that, my friends, is the promise. When we detach from disordered affections, we attach ourselves more fully to God. When we seek first the Kingdom of God, everything else will be granted unto us, too. (see Matthew 6:33)

Pray with me

Oh Lord, apart from You I can do nothing! So please grant me the grace and strength to break my disordered attachments to anything that interferes with my relationship with You. Amen.

Question for journaling

Is there something in your life that the Lord is asking you to surrender? What is holding you back?

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Copyright 2024 Sarah Damm
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