Reflection
The rich, young man was the only person Jesus called to follow him, who did not follow the call.
The young man seems good in every way, so good, Jesus would like him as a disciple, but his possessions are the stumbling block to perfection in his life.
Is there anything that is stopping me from leading what Jesus might call the perfect life?
How can I best follow Jesus?
Today’s Prayer
Preparation: Begin by stilling; then dedicating the time of prayer to God and asking God that all you think, feel and imagine are for the glory of God.
Gift: Ask for what you desire. Suggestion: To know Jesus more clearly, love him more dearly, and follow him more nearly.
Setting: A Scripture reading to imagine yourself in the scene.
Scripture
Matthew 19:16-22 WEB
Behold, a young man came to Jesus and said,
“Good teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?”
He said to him, “Why do you call me good?
No one is good but one, that is, God.
But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
He said to him, “Which ones?”
Jesus said,
“‘You shall not murder.’ ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ ‘You shall not steal.’ ‘You shall not offer false testimony.’ ‘Honour your father and your mother.’ And, ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’”
The young man said to him, “All these things I have observed from my youth. What do I still lack?”
Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, for he was one who had great possessions.
Conversation: Talk to Jesus in your own words as a friend
Final Prayer: End with a formal prayer such as the Lord’s Prayer/Our Father.
Today’s Music
Be Thou my Vision: Performed by Krystin and Keith Getty