This coming Sunday is the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time. 21 Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to (the) poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” 22 At that statement his face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.

Did you know that this is the only place in the gospels of Mark, Matthew, or Luke that Jesus is said to love (agapaō) someone. Then Jesus says, “give it all away and follow me.” When I have told Bible Study groups the uniqueness of this statement of love, it is not uncommon to hear a quip, “And this is love? I’ll take a pass.” It is said in jest, but…. all recognize that suddenly the high bar got very high. Continue reading →