Prayer Requests and Gratitudes

Sunday, October 11, 2015

What is Lacking?

~~~ Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~~~
~~~ Wisdom 7:7-11 ~~ Psalm 90 ~~ Hebrews 4:12-13 ~~~ 
~~~ Mark 10:17-30 ~~~

Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him,
"You are lacking in one thing...

In the Gospel today,
 Jesus uses a very visual analogy to emphasize
the potential problems with wealth.
He states that it is easier for a camel to pass through
the eye of a needle than for one who is rich
to enter the kingdom of heaven.

The one thing lacking is our reluctance to give
of ourselves...not simply from our monetary funds.
Jesus is looking at the man kneeling before him.
This individual believes he is leading a good life...
He addresses Jesus as 'good'. He is keeping the commandments,
but he wants to do more...he wants to be a better person.

In identifying with this person, you most likely 
also want to be a better person.


...the word of God is living and effective,
sharper than any two-edged sword,
penetrating even between soul and spirit, joints and marrow,
and able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.

These words from the letter to the Hebrews
contains enough to reflect on for many days.

Jesus lovingly looks at you.
He sees between your soul and your spirit.
You may not be aware that your soul and spirit can be separated.
There is nothing you can conceal from God.

He alone knows exactly what it takes for you to get to heaven.
Your personal relationship with Jesus
 is not a one size fits most. 

Why would he be able to discern the mere reflections of your heart?
Why would he care about the thoughts of your heart?

God has a unique prescription for your soul.
He knows what it will take for you to enter into his kingdom.

He knows all the goodness in your heart and mind,
but he also knows where you can do a better job.

The living word of God,
by design penetrates your soul.
It deciphers who you truly are within.
Some are not ready to hear the truth.

For the young man, when hearing 
that he must get rid of his possessions,
that was too much...he went away sad.

What would you be most reluctant to hear from Jesus.
What must you do to get closer to the threshold of his kingdom?
No matter how impossible it may seem;
he promises that with him nothing is impossible.

Do you believe that to be true for your life?

Jesus is constantly asking us 
to get rid of the extra baggage in our heart.
He alone knows what you are lacking.
He loves you enough to reveal  
to you your specific task.

Are you too going to turn and walk away
 with a sad, heavy heart?

Jesus waits for you.
He knows the beauty within your heart and soul.
He knows just what it takes to make
you more holy and pleasing.

God Blesses you with courage to act.
~~~Peace~~~

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