Are You Lacking Something in Your Life?

Are you content? Are you lacking something in your life? asked Fr. Dom.

The man in Gospel (Mark 10-17-30) this week has no name, anyone of us could be that man. “As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mark 10:17)

Fr. Dom explained that the man showed so much urgency and need for something that was lacking in his life. He was searching for something in his life – eternal life. Jesus looked steadily at him and knew that he was a man who kept the commandments but was still lacking something. When Jesus told him to sell all that he owned and follow him, the man went away sad- his love for his possession was more than the love of eternal life.

If we really look deep down into our lives, each one of us is searching for something-. All of us lack something in our lives and that is why are we are gathered here today, said Fr. Dom. It is because we know we are not complete- we have our weakness and need the mercy of God. We are not perfect nor complete. Our hearts are never at rest said Fr. Dom and there is this longing in your heart – no possession or person can fill that void except God.

“Our hearts were made for You, O Lord, and they are restless until they rest in you.”

~ St. Augustine of Hippo

So how do we inherit eternal life? Fr. Dom suggested 3 points:

Seek the kingdom of God (Lk 12: 21, Mat6: 33)

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” We can have all the money to buy a house or a bed, but we cannot buy happiness or sleep. Likewise, we can buy all the books but we cannot buy wisdom. All these are given to us.

Keep the commandments and give up all that takes you away from God. Seek the truth – we can put up a front but deep down we know who we are –“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

Pray for Wisdom

Anthony de Mello, a Jesuit priest told the following story on wisdom:  A guru was sleeping under a tree, a man from the village ran to him and asked “Give me the stone”. He said he had a dream that the guru possessed the stone. The guru rummaged through his bag and found a diamond. He gave it to the man. That night the man was restless. The next day he came back to the guru and asked “give me that wealth that made you give that stone away”. For wisdom is worth more than any precious stone or riches as said by King Soloman ( Wisdom 7: 7-11). Thus we should pray for wisdom to know right from wrong.

Pray to be Free and Not be Possessed by Your Possessions

We are created in the image and likeness of God – things or persons cannot give us identity- things and people can give us happiness up to a level but will not make us complete. We need to free ourselves from this attachment. – SR