The Rich Young Man and the Look of Love

The Rich Young Man and the Look of Love

This story is inspired by Mark 10:17–22, Jesus and the rich man.

I had to walk away. Was he kidding? No way could I give up my comfortable life and spacious home! I love my clothes and collections and my small luxuries.

I love eating food others prepare and walking away from clean-up. I enjoy all sorts of entertainments—and none of these are bad. I am a God-fearing man who keeps every commandment. I just happen to have the ability to buy almost anything I want.

I take for granted going first. Perhaps it’s selfish, but we who are wealthy deserve our blessings, right? That’s what I learned growing up.

Why should I wait in line? I saw nothing wrong with running up to Jesus and interrupting. I had a burning question, and I needed an answer. It made perfect sense to seek an answer from Jesus, since I believe him to be the long-awaited Messiah.

I’ve slowly changed my attitude since I asked Jesus what I must do to achieve eternal life. I am different in a way that unsettles my daily choices.

He asked me why I called him good. Instead of answering that question, I asked another. Which commandments should I keep? In retrospect, I wish I had answered his question. I think our discussion would have ended differently. But I cannot undo my past.

When Jesus listed which commandments I should be following, he didn’t mention all ten. As I reflected later on the ones he did mention, I realized that I am guilty of small infractions against those very commandments. Jesus was gently pointing out areas for my growth.

I have killed—in the way I spoke about my neighbor, I killed his good reputation. I stole his good name. And for what? A chance to appear better before others.

I failed to honor the rabbi—a spiritual father to me. I treated his remarks with disdain and an arrogant pride unworthy of those who love God. I see now that I broke the commandment to honor my father—a person with authority over me.

I digress.

I told Jesus I had kept all the commandments, and he looked at me with love. Knowing my heart inside and out, knowing my failures better than I admit them to myself, he still looked at me with indescribable love.

That look burned itself into my heart. I had never seen or experienced such a love, communicated by a mere facial expression. I was hooked.

I walked away, yes, but his face! His face was indelibly printed on my memory.

In that moment, I had to walk away. I have many, many responsibilities and possessions. I couldn’t accept his offer to follow—not abruptly like that when I have so much under my control.

I wasn’t turning him down, exactly. I was turning down that crazy invitation to just drop it all and follow. No way could I do that.

Am I trying to justify my behavior and make excuses for myself?

Since that day, I have begun letting go, little by little. In small increments I am moving toward a final farewell to my disordered love for all things material. I am progressing towards finding Jesus on the road someday and accepting the invitation to follow. I keep seeing that amazing look of pure love on his face. I want to see that look again.

Wait for me, Jesus! I am coming. I just need a little more time.

The Person of Jesus

Focus Questions:

·                    Why is it important that Jesus became fully human, like us in every way except sin?  Why is it important that He is fully divine?

·                    Despite the Church’s definitive teaching, people continue to have false ideas about Jesus.  What are some examples you’ve heard, and why do you think people hold those views?

·                    What do you think St. Athanasius meant when he wrote that “the Son of God became man so that we might become God” (CCC #460).

Introduction to the Trinity: God the Father and Creation

Focus Questions:

·                     Do you think most people believe in God?  Why might people not believe in God?

·                     Which attribute of God do you find most comforting and appealing?

·                     What is there in the surrounding culture which prevents people from having a relationship with God?

·                     Why is the creation story important?  What does it teach us about our relationship to God?

·                     How does it affect my life to know that the God of all creation loves me personally and unconditionally?  How does it affect my prayer?

·                     Do you find yourself addressing one person of the Trinity in prayer more than another?  Which person of the Trinity do you fail to incorporate into prayer?

·                     Why do we begin our prayers as Catholics with the sign of the cross?

·                     Can you describe the missions of God the Father, His only Son, and the Holy Spirit?

·                     Is the doctrine of the Trinity a comfort or a stumbling block to me?

·                     What images have helped me understand the doctrine of the Trinity?

Quest for God and Revelation/Response of Faith

The Quest for God and Revelation

Focus Questions:

·                     How does God reveal Himself to you?

·                     Which aspect of the deposit of faith (Scripture, Tradition, and Magisterium) do you feel is least appreciated?  Why is it important to have all three?

·                     What has the Bible meant in your life up until now?

·                     How well do I know the Scriptures?  Have I made reading the Bible an important part of my daily life?

·                     Has the Church taught things that I find hard to accept?  What can I do to reach a better understanding of those teachings?

The Response of Faith

Focus Questions:

·                     “Ten thousand difficulties doe not make one doubt.”  Have you experienced what John Newman describes as certain faith?  How do you deal with doubts?

·                     What can be done to keep faith active and growing?

·                     What images of faith are helpful to you?  Why?