Thursday, October 11, 2012

Pew Studies, the Rich Young Man, and the Year of Faith


October 11 begins the Year of Faith, declared by Pope Benedict XVI as a way to call all to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. It is a call to discover the joys of a life in Jesus Christ and to discern how God is calling each of us to share that witness of faith with others, drawing all to the Lord.

On one hand, it is a reminder to all of us that we must be intentional about our faith—both in growing more deeply in our understanding of the Truths Christ handed on to us and in how to live the Love that He taught us by word and action. On the other hand, it is sad that the Pope has to declare such a reminder—a sad indicator that we, as disciples, have not been doing a great job walking in the footsteps of Jesus.

Why do I say this? A recently released Pew Study: indicated that a full 32% percent of young adults and upwards of 20% of the overall population are not affiliated with a religious community, but rather, say they are spiritual but not religious, not needing to participate in a community of faith to believe. From Boomers on down, the mantra that “I am spiritual but not religious” seems to be catching on (to review the study, go to: 

This brings me to this Sunday’s Gospel of the rich young man (Mark 10:17-30). In it, the young man asks Jesus what he must do to obtain eternal life. Jesus answers by reviewing the 10 Commandments. Pleased with His answer, the young man assures Jesus he is on top of that!

Not missing a beat, Jesus adds a caveat. Not settling for what the young man is willing to do, the Lord calls him to a higher task of selling everything he has and following Him. Crestfallen, the young man walks away.

I cannot help but think all those in the Pew Study who are like the rich young man. You see, when we lay out the parameters of our “spirituality” we in essence are saying, “I will determine what it is I believe in and how I am going about it.” Jesus asks more of us. He does not settle for what we are willing to do for Him, but rather, what He has prepared us to do for Him. He calls us into community and builds His Church on that community. Being a Christian or believer isn’t a solo act!

I love Jesus’s response to the rich young man. Despite his sadness, Jesus lets him walk. How unlike our society today! Jesus wasn’t concerned about being politically correct, sensitive to the young man’s feelings, or quite frankly, in making him feel good about himself. What Jesus WAS concerned about was the young man’s salvation.

Jesus is clear. There are consequences for setting the limits on what we are willing to do for Him. Unlike what many believe today, not everyone goes to Heaven. Jesus is clear—we are called to follow Him , not Jesus following us. We are called to give everything we have, including our life, so that others may live. Pretty extreme, isn’t it?

In this Year of Faith, we must ask ourselves, “How far am I willing to go for Jesus?” Am I truly willing to leave everything I have and follow Him? Am I willing to accept that Jesus represents Truth and Divine Love and that His Truth is not relative or only viable if I agree with it?

True love for Christ takes you on a journey that leads to the community of faith where we worship our God, are held accountable, called to holiness, and sent forth to serve others. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we took the role of disciple seriously? Can you even begin to imagine what society and our world would be like?

As we begin this Year of Faith, let us make a resolution to follow Jesus, giving all we have to Him so that we may openly and fully accept all that He has to give—eternal life and happiness—with great enthusiasm and zeal, so that we may lead all we encounter into the loving arms of the Body of Christ!

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