Saint Pius X , Pope

Judges 2:11-19
Matthew 19:16-22

WHAT HAVE YOU FAILED TO DO?

We all know that no one is perfect. We often make mistakes one way or the other. Scripture says, all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. Think of how often you have chosen sin because of its pleasure, when indeed, that pleasure was a root of bitterness to you? Think of your doubting God when he has been so faithful to you—think of your foolish outcry of “Not so, my Father,” when he crossed his hands in affliction to give you the larger blessing just like he sent judges to help Israel; think of the many times when you have read his providences in the dark, misinterpreted his dispensations, and groaned out, “All these things are against me,” when they are all working together for your good?

Indeed, they are many of us who could sound like the wealthy young man in today’s gospel. He asks Jesus what he is lacking.  He knew that something was missing in his life, but he couldn’t quite identify that missing element. We too have observed the commandments all through our lives , attended Mass frequently and have placed our offerings in the collection box but there thing’s missing in our spiritual lives things like helping the poor and the needy in our community, visiting the elderly and the sick. We need to figure out what are the things we need to do more so that we will not go home sad and miss eternal life.

As Christians do we profess that we have attained perfection, or to have been so chastened that the rod has taken all our wilfulness out of us?
Surely if we know our own heart we must plead guilty to the indictment of a sinful folly; and become conscious of this “foolishness,” we must make David’s consequent resolve our own- O Lord, remember me out of the love you have for your people and the covenant-keeping God will answer and keep his promise. Amen.

Fr Joseph Osho