In the Gospel reading today, we find that Jesus compliments the scribe. Jesus says, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” I don’t know about you, but I immediately asked the question, “what is he missing?” The Gospel says that the scribe answered Jesus with understanding. So, what is the scribe missing?
I propose that the scribe may have understood, but did not act on this understanding. The scribes were very good at practicing the burnt offerings and sacrifices. However, they tended to forget that the animal sacrifice and burnt offerings were to remind them of personal sacrifice. Maybe this is why the scribe “was not far from the Kingdom of God”! The scribe remembered that loving God with all you are and your neighbor as yourself were more important than burnt offerings and sacrifices, but did not practice this.
I find this true for myself. Of course, we believe that we must love our neighbor as we love ourselves. I am good at loving my neighbor, until I see my neighbor! Even taxpayers and sinners love those who love them! I propose that we take this week to focus on those things that are hard for us to do. Maybe “burnt offerings and sacrifices” are easy for you. Today, our “burnt offerings and sacrifices” are going to Mass regularly and giving our monetary offering to Church. (We have not practiced the “burnt offerings and sacrifices” since the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.)
Maybe going to Mass on Sunday is easy for you and loving your “neighbor” is harder. Loving the neighbor who knocks over your trash cans every week is harder for you. Or it is harder to be nice to the neighbor who doesn’t take care of their lawn as you would like. For others, loving your neighbor may be easier. Maybe getting to Mass on Sunday regularly or contributing weekly to the Sunday offering is harder. One thing to try is to find a Mass time that does work for you and your family. If giving to the Church financially is hard for you right now, can you give of your time by volunteering? There are many ways to give to the Church. You can give by your time, talent, and/or treasure.
Take this week to see where the Lord is asking you to grow! For each person reading this, what the Lord is calling you to, will be different. Can’t wait to see what the Lord creates through you!