Daily Gospel Reflection for March 4, 2019

Reflection by Suellen Brewster Today's Gospel: Mark 10:17-27 The last time we heard this Gospel passage a beautiful elderly priest in our diocese gave a homily on “the one thing”. He asked us to close our eyes and picture ourselves as the rich young man, with Jesus speaking these gospel words to us. He went on to instruct us to pray through the week and ask Jesus to reveal to our hearts what the “one thing” was that He wanted us to do, or to give up, to truly be His follower. We all went home and did as Father asked. This was a graced moment for our little family. The Holy Spirit responded in beautiful and deep ways, encouraging each of us differently to let go of some attachment to our own will in order to free our hearts to follow Jesus more closely. The truth is Jesus is not asking us to give up anything but dust, ashes and illusions of control over our lives. The truth is God is in control and He wants what is best for us. We need to let go of our little handful of sand, masquerading as something necessary, in order to free that hand to grasp His. Then whatever we thought we absolutely needed to hold so tightly to is taken care of more perfectly in His Divine Providence. Some things are possible for us, but all things are possible for Him. We must trust that He knows what is best for us and let go of all else. Deeper intimacy with Jesus is the result and that exchange makes us truly rich.

Ponder:

What is the "one thing" that stands between me and deeper intimacy with Jesus?

Pray:

Lord, I do not want to go away sad like the rich young man. Please reveal to my heart the “one thing” that I need to let go of in order to be your true follower.