Worship Sundays at 9 am
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I was dreaming the other day, about the kind of hurdles I have faced in my life; education was easier than finding my place in the church, what I wanted to do was easier than where was the right place for me to do it. As I reflected upon the questions that have been my journey in life, I began to wonder about the questions that my daughter Sara will face. What will be her hurdles and how can I be a gift to her as she faces them?
These were on my mind as I read the Gospel for this Sunday (Mk 10:17-31) about the young man who approached Jesus and asked what He must do to inherit eternal life? Jesus pointed him to the commandments that are for us all to keep and the young man said with great eagerness, “All these I have kept since my youth.”
In that moment Jesus sees his real heart and invites the young man to come and follow him (to be his disciple), but first to let go of the things that might stop him or get in his way (the real question to “What must I do to inherit eternal life!”) This seems to be about the hurdles in life that are this young man’s own personal hurdles. It shows, perhaps, that Jesus perceived the young man correctly, because this invitation proved too much. Indeed it did prove to be a hurdle for him at this point in his life. His possessions really could stand in his way to following Jesus and perhaps to receiving eternal life.
What, in our own hearts, would keep us from taking the invitation to follow Jesus? That is the real questions. Even the disciples of Jesus begin to think about all that they have left in order to be followers of Jesus. Certainly, each of them had their own hurdles in faith and in life. It occurs to me that Jesus himself is certainly a great resource and aid in hearing, learning and discerning the hurdles that get in our way to following and receiving eternal life. I for one hope to be quick to come and ask about the nature of my hurdles, that with Jesus help, I may face and over come.
As we head toward Sara’s Baptism, I know we are seeking that same support and guidance for her, in facing her hurdles in life and in faith. Thanks be to God who gives us the victory in Jesus. AMEN!