A rich man asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. He is told that he must keep the commandments, and he can truthfully reply that he has, from his earliest days. Jesus looks at him and loves him. Jesus then challenges him to sell all that he has, give the money to the poor, and follow him. This is a step too far for the rich man. He cannot let go of his wealth and the security that it represents. Iin place of the joy and freedom he might have known in loving companionship with Jesus, he has the sadness of knowing he is trapped, controlled, and prevented from gaining his deepest desire. He remains a captive who balked at the prospect of freedom.
5 окт 2024
