Letting Go for Eternal Life: A Call to Overcome Attachments
We all find ourselves attached to something, whether it be material possessions, relationships, or other treasured items. These attachments, when left unchecked, can become obstacles on our journey to discipleship and to entering the Kingdom of God. The Gospel passage of the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time reminds us of the need to detach from our many possessions that prevent us from giving ourselves fully to God. Fr. Ryan expounded further in his homily.
In St. Mark’s narrative of Jesus’ encounter with the rich young man (Mark 10:17–30), we hear Jesus reminding him of the commandments governing relationships with others. However, keeping the commandments only brings him so far. Jesus goes on to issue a more profound challenge: to sell all he has and give the proceeds to the poor. This moment uncovers what the rich man lacks—a deep compassion for those in need and a willingness to share his wealth.
Jewish tradition holds that material wealth and prosperity are signs of God’s favour for those who live good lives. However, this understanding also emphasises the responsibility of the rich to care for the needy. This is illustrated in Leviticus 23:22, where the Israelites are commanded to leave some of the harvest for the poor and foreigners among them. This Old Testament teaching continues into the New Testament. Drawing on this, Jesus teaches that true religion consists of sharing one’s blessings with others rather than developing attachments to material possessions and hoarding them.
Attachment to worldly things can stand as barriers to entering the Kingdom of God. For the rich man in the Gospel, his wealth formed a wall between him and God—his possessions ended up possessing him. Even though he followed the law and avoided grievous sins, he failed to love his neighbour fully and showed little compassion. His attachment to his wealth became an idol. Jesus recognised this weakness and lovingly invited him to let go of everything and follow Him. The same invitation is extended to us. How often do we receive blessings and keep them for ourselves, neglecting those in need? Jesus looks at us with the same love and calls us to release our attachments and follow Him, the source of all good.
Detachment from worldly things can only be achieved with grace. We need divine wisdom and encouragement to open our minds and hearts, allowing us to see as God sees. By purifying our intentions and focussing on true discipleship, we can embrace what is good and let go of what hinders us. We need not fear that letting go all for God will leave us destitute, for as the Book of Wisdom says, all good things will come to us (Wisdom 7:11).
The Word of God too has the power to shape and purify us, guiding us to be true disciples. It is alive and active, cutting through our hearts more finely than a double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12). By reading, reflecting, meditating, and contemplating His Word, we learn to let go of what holds us back and embrace a deeper relationship with Christ.
Attachments can hinder our discipleship, and Christ calls us to break free from these ties. Let us heed His words, recognising the worldly attachments that prevent us from being His true disciples.
Reflection
What obstacles keep me from fully living my faith?
What attachments are affecting my relationship with God and others?
How can I better appreciate God’s blessings without letting them distract me?
Prayer
Oh Lord my God, we thank You for the blessings in our lives. Help us to recognise our attachments and to detach from material things that hinder our relationship with You. Grant us the wisdom and strength to share our blessings with those in need so that we may truly reflect Your love and mercy in the world. May we be open to Your guidance and live as true disciples of Christ. Amen.