Do you remember the tv show, “Who wants to be a millionaire?” It was a dramatic game show where a contestant had a chance to win one million dollars by correctly answering a series of questions. As a player moved toward the final prize, he or she reached certain dollar amounts where they could choose to take the lesser prize and walk away. But if they wanted to win it all, if they wanted to be a millionaire, they had to be willing to risk it all and let go of everything they had won so far.
The man in today’s gospel had a life anyone would want. He was young, rich, well-educated, highly-regarded, and religious. He had kept the commandments his whole life; he was a good person, probably even great. Yet, something was missing. Deep down, he knew there was something more he could do, something more he could be. That is what brings him to Jesus; the desire to be fulfilled, perfected, and challenged. Instinctively this young man knows that all the good things in his life find their meaning and goodness in God. Jesus identifies one thing the young man is missing. If he wants to be perfect, then he needs to trust God completely by selling what he has, giving it to the poor and following Christ. This would be putting it all on the line, risking everything to win the grand prize.
We know his decision and it is haunting even today. The man goes away, as the gospel says, sad, because he had many possessions. Deep down he knew he had the chance to follow God in an exceptional way. He could have it all if he was willing first to let go of everything. Unfortunately, he couldn’t do it. His possessions, his riches, the comforts of his life owned him and kept him from the perfection Jesus offered.
We don’t know what this man did with the rest of his life. Did he realize he was missing out on true greatness and come back to Christ? Did he change his mind and become an incredible saint? Or did he live the rest of his life in mournful regret? Knowing that he had been offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by God and he had turned it down?
This encounter between the young man and Christ provides a powerful lesson for us as well. We have been raised in a society that values wealth above all else. We know that is not true. We know that the love of people, manifested in our families, in children, and most especially through God, are our real values, but we sometimes fall for the lie that happiness can be purchased. We easily confuse our wants with our needs. We want too much but we actually need very little. We want the big house, the expensive car, the exclusive vacation and the comfortable life. But we don't need all of that. In fact, these might be the very things which hold us back from complete happiness.
To be honest, I am not just speaking to you. I am also speaking to myself. My car is about 5 years old and I have been looking at possible replacements. Let’s just say I don’t have Pope Francis preferences. There is nothing wrong with my car, in fact, it runs perfect, looks good, and has tags for another year and a half. I’m just itching for something new and exciting and I catch myself saying, “I need this”. I think there is a part of me that thinks a new car will make me happy. But it won’t! All I need is the Love of God. And it is there for me in so many ways, none of which have to do with the wheels I am driving.
How about you? Is there something that would destroy you if you lost it? I am sure that there is plenty that would upset you if some disaster struck, and you lost it. That's reasonable. But would you be destroyed if your house burned to the ground? Would you wonder if life was worth living if your car was totaled or you lost your job, or your phone shattered? Hopefully that would not be the case. You love your family far more than your stuff. Your main concern would be with them. You love God more than anything the world can come up with. As long as you have him, you have all you need.
Solomon asked for wisdom. So do we. We need wisdom to allow our lives to be centered on Jesus so no matter what challenges and crises life throws at us, we will keep growing in His Love. Wisdom will help us know when we are standing before God with an opportunity to follow him more perfectly. Wisdom will ensure that we don’t walk away sad like the rich, young man, prisoners to our possessions and the desire for a comfortable life. It will allow us to keep the right priorities and remember what is truly important. May God give us wisdom today so that we can put it all on the line and follow Him wherever he invites us.
