Faith Daily | 16 August 2021

PRAYER of the DAY - PENTECOST APBA p572

Almighty God,

you have given your only Son

to be for us both a sacrifice for sin

and also an example of godly life:

give us grace that we may always thankfully receive

the benefits of his sacrifice,

and also daily endeavour

to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life;

through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

GOSPEL for the Day: 19: 16-22

16Then someone came to him and said, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; 19Honor your father and mother; also, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20The young man said to him, “I have kept all these; what do I still lack?” 21Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go, sell your possessions, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” 22When the young man heard this word, he went away grieving, for he had many possessions.

GOSPEL Reflection: Contributed by: Neville Eckersley

Matthew’s story has a wealthy young man questioning what life is really about, as reflected recently in an ABC radio program on Restless Millenials, young people under 40 now.

This rich young man has” everything”- wealth, youth and good intentions, yet here he is seeking the real meaning of life. He calls this “eternal life” and so is typical of his time and culture. He has tried all he can to be a good person in fulfilling the commandments of God’s Law, but senses this is not enough. The equivalent today for many people may be the hope that life will be fulfilled in Heaven after death, if we live a good life now.

Surely Jesus will approve of this?

Jesus certainly approves of the good intentions of this man. In Mark 10; 17-22 Jesus “looks on the man and loves him” as a recognition apparently of this good intention and integrity.

But Jesus points beyond this man’s worthy aim to be “perfect” that is, mature, full-grown. He looks way beyond it.

To paraphrase Jesus’ response: “ Eternal life is Life with and from God, offered now, not just in the future. And this relationship means becoming more and more like God and having nothing taking the pre-eminence of God in your life. This is the real meaning of life.

If you want this then come follow me.”

What is our question to Christ, and will we hear and follow his answer?

FINAL PRAYER: – from Neville

( Hymn 3 in Mission Praise.)

Abba Father, let me be

Yours and yours alone.

May my will forever be

Evermore your own.

Never let my heart grow cold,

never let me go,

Abba Father, let me be

Yours and yours alone.