Gospel Reflections for October 14 2018
Religious freedom
It seems political campaigns never end!
Politicians often hope to have an event or speech that changes everything and guarantees victory on Election Day. Jesus had that chance in today’s Gospel, but it did not turn out well.
Jesus already had a great reputation. He is “polling” well! He enters a town accompanied by a large crowd when a well-known rich young man approaches with a question about eternal life.
This was Our Lord’s chance to impress the crowd by converting this influential young man. If Jesus could produce a victory here, His fame would spread even faster.
He answers the man’s question clearly and concisely, however, it does not work …and the rich young man walks away. What is interesting is what Jesus does next, which is …nothing! He does not run after him seeking to make yet another case for conversion. He respects the man’s religious freedom to decide for himself. Jesus is both sad and looks at him with love, but would not interfere with his free and personal decision.
In the parable of the Lost Sheep, Jesus the Good Shepherd goes after a lost sheep because it wants to come home but just does not know how. The rich young man was not lost. He had just had eternal life clearly explained to him by Jesus Himself …and he rejected it.
We do not know for certain what became of that young man, but many bible scholars today believe that this rich young man in the Gospel of Mark, is actually …Mark himself! They believe that at some later time Mark changed, and came back to the Lord, and then years later wrote his own story of that first meeting where Jesus respected his freedom into his Gospel.
Religious freedom is in the news a lot these days, whether about Muslims, Jews, and Christians in the Middle East, or a new Supreme Court Justice.
I know parents sometimes struggle with older children who seek another religious path at times (especially after just one year at college!). It is hard to make general guidelines because each case is so unique. But this Gospel makes a good case for religious freedom for adults, and that when we are allowed to be free; it is more likely that we will eventually come around to the truth, perhaps just like Mark, the rich young man.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Dear Father Dave,
Thank you for this Sunday’s reflection. Parents do worry about their children drifting away from the Church, yes, particularly when they go away to college! Some of them return and some don’t, which is where prayer becomes a guiding factor.
It’s good to be reminded about how Jesus reinforced free will. It addresses its tremendous importance.
I’m blessed to have many friends of multiple faiths with different points of view. Regardless, we all seem to have a common denominator, which is love of God, respect for one another, and a general goodness. We share values and help others as best we can. We believe in life everlasting.
God bless you for all that you do.
Kathleen
Well said!
Thank you Fr. Dave for the beautiful reflection on Religious Freedom.
I love that Jesus gives us the freedom to either accept Him or reject Him
and never coerces us into submission. If He does that, then we should do the same.
The framers of the Constitution were men of wisdom who recognized freedom of
religion as a sacred right.Our newest member in the Supreme Court has promised us
That he will interpret the Constitution as it is written..
Praise the Lord!
I think our Constitution remains one of the most remarkable documents in history. We may never have again in our country the kind of people who composed it back in the lat 18th Century.
Beautiful words Father Dave!!!It is soooooooooooo important to be given the gift of free will and given the gift of Relious Freedom!!! It is so important to grow in a relationship with our Jesus!! If He is the Son of God then we folloiw his beautiful spiritual Faith!!! We have to believe then act and follow!!!We always pray that our precious family and friends with their free will, follow our Jesus in love as we do!! Thank you for giving us our Jesus of love!!! OIur loving God creates us, gives us His beloved Son to establish our church and teaches us to love, gives us beautiful sacraments, the Eucharist etc., dies for us so that we can return to God!! Incredible faith!!!Soooooooooooooooo beautiful!!! Love free will and religious freedom!! Dick and I chose to follow Jesus!!!Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee it and love you for giving us Jesus!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, franca and vDick
Well said!
When I think of this Gospel I think of, since money isn’t an issue with me, what brought to mind the things that do get in the way of a relationship with Jesus. What is more important than a relationship with Jesus. There are a lot of things we can mention that are “at the top of our list.” It is great to know that God never gives up on us.
Yes, beautifully said, “God never gives up on us.”
Tjank you for your hopeful words
You are most welcome!
Fr. Dave
Thank you for your reflection.
God bless
You are welcome!