“What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Sometimes we might ask such questions hoping to check off the boxes, but Jesus reveals that the Kingdom of God is about more. Patrick Saint-Jean, SJ, reflects on Jesus’ call to the rich young man in this week’s gospel. Based on the readings for Sunday, October 10, 2021.
Sunday Pop quiz for the Kingdom of God.
Hi, my name is Patrick Saint-Jean. This is my one-minute reflection.
“Teacher, what must I do to go to heaven:” The man asks Jesus, and he replied, “No killing, no adultery, no stealing, no false witness, no defraud, Obey your father and mother.”
When I was a kid, I used to hear this gospel with pride, because I could easily check those boxes and pass the quiz. Is that really what the kingdom of God is about?
Today, Mark invites us to meet Jesus who encounters a man like me, who easily checks the boxes, he easily passes the quiz for the Kingdom. Yet, Jesus invites not only to focus on completing the list, but rather, have freedom to follow him.
Our Sunday quiz for today, the Kingdom is not only about checking the boxes, but is about a deep spiritual freedom and commitment to follow Jesus.
Are you ready?
