TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
18 AUGUST, 2025
Matthew 19:16-22
A young man approached Jesus and said,
“Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?”
He answered him, “Why do you ask me about the good?
There is only One who is good.
If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
He asked him, “Which ones?”
And Jesus replied, “You shall not kill;
you shall not commit adultery;
you shall not steal;
you shall not bear false witness;
honor your father and your mother;
and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
The young man said to him,
“All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?”
Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be perfect, go,
sell what you have and give to the poor,
and you will have treasure in heaven.
Then come, follow me.”
When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad,
for he had many possessions.
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
This passage tells us of the rich young man who sincerely sought eternal life but found it difficult to part with his wealth. His desire was genuine, yet his attachment to possessions revealed where his heart truly rested. Jesus’ response reminds us that eternal life is not just about following commandments but about total surrender and detachment from worldly securities. True discipleship calls us to love God above all else, trusting Him more than anything we possess. The challenge of this Gospel is to examine what holds us back from fully following Christ—whether it be wealth, comfort, pride, or fear—and to let go so that we may gain the treasure of eternal life.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, You know the desires of my heart and the struggles I face in letting go of earthly attachments. Grant me the grace to love You above all things, to seek first Your Kingdom, and to trust in Your providence. Free me from anything that keeps me from following You completely, and give me the courage to surrender my life into Your hands. May my heart always find its treasure in You alone. Amen
