What Must I Do to Inherit Eternal Life?

Text: Matthew 19:13-22

Reflection and Question: This exchange between Jesus and a rich man is recounted in Mark and Luke as well. According to the story, the man is righteous, indeed, obeying the commandments Jesus highlights from the Ten Commandments as well as the law to love your neighbor as yourself. But the man leaves with a heavy heart because he cannot find his way to give his riches to the poor as Jesus tells him to do. We, our time, may give generously to the poor, but fail to love our neighbors as ourselves each time we treat our GLBT brothers and sisters differently. What must you do to inherit life?

Prayer: God, our Creator, Jesus charges us to become like children, for Your kingdom belongs to such little ones who are so utterly dependent upon others. As we come to depend upon You, free us from the bondage of our possessions. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).