Approaching Jesus

10-13-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Fred Adamson

Dear Parishioners,

The Gospel reading from Mark is one of my favorites that I think provides good insight into the spiritual life and our growing relationship with God. The man who approaches Jesus possesses a deep desire for happiness in everlasting life, he is following all the commands, but something is missing. Jesus recognizes this and invites him to sell all he has, give to the poor and follow him. The man walks away sad because he is possessed by his possessions – they are what he thinks brings him happiness. He is not willing to take the next step by letting go. Surrender and trust are key in the Christian journey.

The man’s name is not mentioned and I think this in intentional as he could be any of us. Often we are living a clean life, practicing our faith but we reach a plateau in our spiritual growth. We aren’t necessarily unhappy or committing any major sin, but feel a bit stuck. Maybe Jesus is inviting us to take the next step in surrender and trust. What might He be asking us to let go of that is possessing our time and attention? Maybe it is possessions or things, perhaps it putting down the cell phone, could it be letting go of anger or hatred towards someone? When we are moved to let go, it is important to fill that time or space with service to the poor and needy. Maybe that is the first step – start by giving generously of yourself, serving the poor helps us to us see the plight of those in need and allows us to then let go of what we think makes us happy.

The last thing I ponder in this Gospel is that we never know if this person returns to Jesus? Does he walk through the rest of his life sad and stuck? The story is left untold because it is our story. May the invitation Jesus gives this man be the same invitation extended to each one of us. May we all listen to and respond to the invitation to let go of any worldly things that possess us and His words, “Come, follow me.”

This weekend I am in Salt Lake City for the annual meeting of the Western Lieutenancy of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepluchre of Jerusalem. We are blessed to have Five Knights and Four Dames from the Order in our parish. This a Papal Order whose purpose is to pray and support the Christians in the Holy Land. This means the very regions that are wrought with conflict and senseless killing. We in the Order have, over the years, established many close connections with the Christians in the various places in Israel, the West Bank and Jordan. We hear firsthand the stories of the pain and suffering in a land they so deeply love. I am the retreat master for all new investees, of which there will be 59 new Knights and Dames invested this year. All given a unique call and connection to the Holy Land. Please pray for peace and an end to the Israel-Hamas War.

This coming Wednesday, we invite you to be part of a special evening of prayer for peace in our Country, State, City, homes and families. We will carry Jesus, present in the Blessed Sacrament, out into our courtyard for an Hour of Adoration under the stars. Praying under the beauty of the night sky and remembering the goodness of God’s creation. Most importantly, recalling the mystery of the saving love of the King of Peace – Jesus - who humbles himself to become man and gift himself in the Real Presence of the Eucharist for people for all ages. It is a time for us to slow down and place our total trust in Him.

Peace in Him,

Fr. Fred