In the first reading, we hear how Yahweh tried to keep his people Israel obedient to his commandments. He appointed judges to remind them of their covenant with God.
In the Gospel reading, when asked by the young man what to do to enter eternal life, Jesus said to keep the commandments given by God. Pressed by the young man, “I have kept all these commandments; what is still lacking?” Jesus told him to sell his possessions, give the money to the poor and come and follow him. A man of great wealth, the young man walked away sad.
The young man was invited by Jesus to follow a higher calling, “if you wish to be perfect,” be with him and follow him.
The young man was invited or challenged by Jesus to follow him more closely in his poverty and his obedience to the heavenly Father. Today this same invitation is given by God to those who join religious life, be they male or female, to live out their lives in evangelical, poverty, chastity and obedience for love of Christ and in service of his Church and his people.
Though not everyone is called to such “perfection,” to such following of Christ, everyone is called to love his/ her neighbor, including enemies, and to be “righteous and perfect in the way your heavenly Father is righteous and perfect.” (Mt 5: 43 – 48)
