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Only God is Good


Gospel
Matthew 19:16-22
If you wish to be perfect, go and sell what you own

There was a man who came to Jesus and asked, ‘Master, what good deed must I do to possess eternal life?’ Jesus said to him, ‘Why do you ask me about what is good? There is one alone who is good. But if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.’ He said, ‘Which?’ ‘These:’ Jesus replied ‘You must not kill. You must not commit adultery. You must not bring false witness. Honour your father and mother, and: you must love your neighbour as yourself.’ The young man said to him, ‘I have kept all these. What more do I need to do?’ Jesus said, ‘If you wish to be perfect, go and sell what you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ But when the young man heard these words he went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth.

Reflection:
This passage challenges us to go beyond simply following rules or commandments. The young man thought he had done everything right, yet Jesus calls him to a deeper level of commitment: to detach from his wealth and to follow Him wholeheartedly. True perfection in the Christian life means surrendering what holds us back from fully loving God and others. It’s a call to trust God more than our possessions and to live generously.

Question for Reflection:
What attachments or possessions in my life might be hindering me from fully following Jesus and living generously?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me to loosen my grip on the things that keep me from following You completely. Give me the courage to give generously and the faith to trust in Your promise of eternal life. May my heart always be open to Your call, and may I find true treasure in loving and serving others. Amen.

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