Gospel: August 18, 2025
August 18, 2025 (Monday)
20th Week in Ordinary Time
Psalter: Week 4 / (Green)
Ps 106:34-35, 36-37, 39-40, 43ab & 44
Remember us, O Lord, as you favor your people.
1st Reading: Judges 2:11-19
Gospel: Matthew 19:16-22
It was then, that a young man approached him and asked, “Master, what good work must I do to receive eternal life?” Jesus answered, “Why do you ask me about what is good? One, only, is good. If you want to enter eternal life, keep the commandments.” The young man said, “Which commandments?” Jesus replied, “Do not kill; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not bear false witness; honor your father and mother. And love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “I have kept all these commandments. What do I still lack?” Jesus answered, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell all that you possess, and give the money to the poor; and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come back and follow me.” On hearing this, the young man went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth.
Reflection:
“Then come back and follow me.”
St Thérèse of Lisieux said that she didn’t want to be half a saint. In contrast, perhaps this describes the state of the rich young man in the Gospel. He’s an honorable man, who lives a good life according to the commandments, but he places limits on his commitment to God and his neighbor so that his faith remains comfortable, and on his own terms. And yet, deep down, he feels he should be doing more, which is why he approaches Jesus. Christ focuses on ways to deepen his commitment by lifting the limits that the young man has placed on practice of his faith. “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell all that you possess, and give the money to the poor… Then come back and follow me.” Jesus invites him to leave all behind and become his disciple, just like the others before him. The difference is that this young man feels tied to his current way of life and so he walks away sad. Reluctantly, he decides to settle for being half a saint. Now, Christ challenges us to go beyond safe mediocrity to a life of love and holiness. Do we accept?
