The Rich Young Man: Your Stuff is Getting in the Way of Eternal Life

In this Gospel reading, we encounter a dialogue between our Lord Jesus Christ and a young man who was rich. The dialogue begins with the young man asking our Savior, “Good Lord, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” Our Lord responded to him and listed all of the commandments that lead to life: “‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’” (Mk 10:19) The man then told the Lord that he had done all of these things since he was young. Our Lord then looked upon him with love and told him: “One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me” (Mk 10:21) Not being able to give up his earthly possessions and riches, the young man left sorrowfully and did not follow the Lord.