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20th Sunday after Pentecost |
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October 14, 2012 |
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“For mortals it is impossible, but not for God.” |
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(Mark 10:27) |
This Sunday the gospel of Mark brings us the story of the rich young man who wants to know what do to receive eternal life. It is a familiar text for many. We shake our heads and think, Poor man! Of course he needed to give up his wealth! It’s so hard to walk away from all that…”
I am not wealthy in the sense this man was. Perhaps I don’t need to walk away from money or things. But there is still a message for me in this Scripture. When I read it, I picture Jesus sitting before me, knowing me, loving me. And setting plainly before me my stumbling block, the thing that keeps me separated from God.
What is your stumbling block? What keeps you apart from the One who created you, loves you? Whatever it is, I’m sure that it is the one thing in your life that will be the hardest to walk away from, like the young man’s wealth. It is for me.
The good news is that we don’t have to walk away from it alone, without help. “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.” With the slightest bit of openness to change, God will transform and shape us into the people we were created to be.
I want to enter eternal life as that person. How about you?
God, it is hard to walk away from what separates us. I want to be open. Change me. Amen.
Rev. Meredith Vanderminden
Executive Director, Art Divina
Queensbury United Methodist Church
Queensbury, NY