Daily Gospel Reflection for August 19, 2024

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Kathy Mallery Schober

Today's Gospel: Matthew 19:16-22

“Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?”

This question launches the passage that is often referred to as The Rich Young Man.

Jesus, the Fulfillment of the Law, responds by laying out the guardrails from the Law. Do not kill, commit adultery, steal, or bear false witness. Avoiding these will keep us from straying off the path. Avoiding these will  prevent us from harming others.

But there are also specific actions Jesus states must be done as we move along in our journey. We must honor our parents and love our neighbor as ourselves.

As Catholic moms, we teach these truths to our children from their earliest days. I suspect the parents of this rich young man had as well.

He basically responds to Jesus with a “Check! I’ve got those covered.” But, when Jesus advises that he then sell his possessions, give them to the poor, and follow Jesus, the young man hits the brakes. So, how is giving away our possessions to the poor so radically different from loving our neighbor as ourselves? I’ve been pondering that question.

Perhaps the difference lies in giving up both control and judgment. We can no longer choose which brothers and sisters deserve our help. We can no longer focus only on those we consider to be our neighbors.

In these six verses, Jesus seems to greatly deepen the requirements of this journey to eternal life. From “Do not hurt others” to “Love and care for others” to “Give up what you treasure to benefit those most in need” to “Trust completely in My will and My mercy.”

Ponder:

How can I best point my children toward lives of merciful giving and service to others through trust and surrender to God?

Pray:

Jesus, give me the courage and trust that I will need to not walk away from Your call. Help me to release my need for control and judgment, knowing that following You is worth giving up everything that I have.

Copyright 2024 Kathy Mallery Schober

Kathy Mallery Schober directs Faith Formation, catechizing for over 25 years, and holds a graduate degree in education. As a public speaker and educator, she has earned awards for her work with families and children. Through her YouTube Channel "Domestic Church," @domesticchurchmskathy, Kathy shares her videos for Catholic kids and families.