A STEADY GAZE
Have
you ever felt like this man in the Gospel? Full of life and love? Eager
to serve the Lord? Willing to do anything? A feeling that you are on
the right road and all is “cool”? Well, think again! The rich young man
has his own reaction. What will be yours?
We can imagine a young spritely, energetic and enthused person ready to
serve the Lord. After repeating the commandments (especially those that
relate to our neighbor), Jesus challenges the young man further. The
man has kept all these commandments from his early days. Sounds good;
but now, the bad news. After Jesus tells him to surrender everything,
the young man is downcast, his energy drained, and he walks away from
the encounter. What happened to the enthusiasm? Where is the energy?
Mark gives us the reason for this sadness — he was a rich man, one of
great wealth, such that he could not let go and let God. What a terrible
shame! What
a sad ending!
Jesus looked steadily at this man and loved him. I love this text in
Scripture. Can you imagine Jesus looking at you, steadily, and loving
you? With that steady gaze of Jesus upon you, He looks in to the depths
of your heart. And there He sees all and knows all. You cannot hide from
Him. His gaze penetrates and challenges. His gaze heals and calls forth
a response. Take time to look at Him with the same love, and respond
with a loving surrender of your life.
You know the story of St. John Vianney, the Cure of Ars in France. He
noticed a man in his church every morning gazing at the tabernacle in
loving contemplation. When asked what he was doing, the poor peasant
replied to the Cure: “I simply gaze upon Him gazing at me!” What a
wonderful description of prayer. Prayer is a simple gaze upon the “One
whom I know loves me” (Teresa de Avila).
Are you ready to have Jesus gaze upon you? Imagine Jesus calling forth a
response from you in love. Go and sell everything. What is it that
Jesus is calling you to “sell,” perhaps not literally but spiritually? Fr. Brian Steele, MGL
REFLECTION QUESTION: Try gazing upon Jesus. What is He trying to tell you at this stage of your life?
Lord, I thank You for Your gaze of love upon my life. May I respond willingly and whole-heartedly to what You ask of me. Amen.
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