Evangelist Matthew narrates an incident. A rich young man approached Jesus, asking, "What must I do to gain eternal life?" Jesus answered, "Follow the commandments: love God and your neighbor." The young man replied, "I have been practicing these since my youth." Then Jesus told him, "If you want to be perfect, give all your wealth to the poor and follow me."
Theologian Ronald Rolheiser offers an intriguing perspective on this story. He argues that it is more about giving God 100% of ourselves rather than a condemnation of wealth or rich people being unfit for eternal life. The young man in the story was not evil or immoral. He was a good person who fulfilled his duties, worked hard, and loved both God and his neighbor. Yet, he felt a sense of emptiness and lack of joy. In fact, Jesus loved him for his good life.
Rolheiser suggests that the young man was like someone with a mansion of 30 rooms. He had given 27 of those rooms to God but kept three for himself. Jesus’ invitation was to offer all 30 rooms to God in order to find perfect joy and meaning. However, the young man struggled to give up those last three rooms.
This story reflects a universal challenge. Regardless of whether we’ve made religious commitments, embraced married life, or pursued other callings, we often hold back a part of ourselves from God. We may work hard, follow rules, and engage in acts of charity, yet we still reserve certain things for ourselves—perhaps 10%. This reserved portion might include habits, attachments, or anxieties about the future. Offering 100% to God is extremely difficult, as we cling to the last 10% as compensation for the 90% we have given.
A genuine reflection on our lives and relationship with God often reveals that we are still holding back some rooms in our mansion. The more we surrender of ourselves to God, the closer we come to experiencing true joy and the abundance of life.
Notes
Mathew 19: 16-26, NRSV
Rolheiser, R. (2014). Sacred fire: A vision for a deeper human and Christian maturity. Image, p. 141.
The more we surrender of ourselves to God, the closer we come to experiencing true joy and the abundance of life..... exactly true....
ReplyDeleteThat's true hamen Ishwar ke liye 101% dene ke liye taiyar rahana chahie
ReplyDeleteVery true. We sometimes seek happiness and justification in the 10% that we give to God without realizing that "perfect joy and freedom" lies in the 10% that we don't surrender to Him.
ReplyDeleteThis reading is very thought provoking for me. It is true even though i think i have given my all to Jesus, I really haven't. Reflecting on my self I get very defensive in my thoughts and actions and then I feel very vulnerable.
ReplyDeleteFather , thanks for the thought. Let me ask this. How , we can give this rooms? In what way we can give this?
ReplyDeleteA tough question!
DeleteLet me share a few thoughts that might speak to your heart as we consider how to surrender our "last rooms" to the Lord:
Listen for God’s whispers — He often speaks softly in the stillness. We must quiet our hearts to hear Him.
Open to His grace — It’s not by our strength alone that we surrender, but by yielding to the grace that gently carries us.
Face our attachments and fears — The “last rooms” often hold what we’re most afraid to release. Naming and entrusting these to God frees us.
Embrace the reality of death — Both the little daily dyings and the final letting go on this earth. In surrendering to this truth, we find deeper life.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom and time. Give all you have and follow me say's the Lord. What a beautiful opportunity surrendering all and be with Jesus Christ our Lord for eternity.
ReplyDeleteGreat interpretation and a perspective to give it all and Trust in GOD.
ReplyDeleteSurrendering everything's to the Lord brings immense Joy ,for this one should have the courage and free mind and heart.The eternal Joy is greater than the joy we have here on earth.
ReplyDeleteThank you Fray John
ReplyDelete