In the gospel for today, I always wonder how much to make of the description of the one who questions Jesus as being “a young man.”  There are a number of things one could say about this passage that having nothing to do with the questioner’s age.  The question reveals a fundamental human concern: the pursuit of eternal life or spiritual salvation asked in earnest by someone who is genuinely seeking to understand the path to salvation. Perhaps his use of “gain” and his positive response about the commandments reflects a belief that righteous actions alone can secure eternal life. But these could be asked by someone of any age.  In any case, Jesus calls him to radical discipleship, challenging the man to go beyond rule-following and embrace a more profound, sacrificial commitment. The man “went away sad” as he realized that was a bridge too far. He lacked a  willingness to prioritize God above all else. Continue reading →