Chotard Doll

Dear Friends,

Today in Mark’s account, the rich young man is seeking the clue to eternal life. Jesus gives him two answers—two guidelines.

First, the commandments as we know them, the Sinai gift of God to his people to enable them to live a life of peace and justice:  Love God, commit no crimes against your neighbor, practice love and generosity. Those are laws of righteous living which make good sense, laws we can understand and follow.

But the rich man longs for something more, as we do. Our longing to know God is deeply embedded in our spirits from birth, part of being created in the image of God. 

And that is what drives this young man. That restless seeking can find only one relief, and it is the second answer from Jesus that speaks to that. Don’t be captivated by wealth and possessions, Come, follow me.

We don’t know the final response of the young man. The power of possessions and wealth is very strong, and he was very rich. All of us falter and fail in our response to God. But that deep inner desire to seek God out remains.

So what does it mean to you to turn from earthly treasure and build up treasure in heaven?

Jesus says, Come, Follow me. 

What does it mean for you to follow Christ today?

Faithfully,

—Chotard