What is the stumbling block which is preventing us from truly loving God and becoming closer to Him? For some, it is pride, making them think that they are the greatest, smartest, or fastest. For some, it is anger or jealousy, being unable to control their temper and being jealous of other people's abilities or achievements, instead of being content with the gifts they have. What about you? Do you have a stumbling block which is creating barriers and making it tough for you to grow in relationship with God?
In today's Gospel, we come across a rich man who wanted to be closer to God. However, this rich man had a major stumbling block. At the beginning of the Gospel, we can see that he possessed great wealth, and he thought that he could find a way to possess eternal life, as the rich man said: "Master, what good deed must I do to possess eternal life?" The rich man claimed to have kept the commandments, but Jesus then challenged him further. Jesus challenged the rich man to give up his wealth and follow him, so that he could learn and depend on God's providence, instead of depending on his wealth. But when the young man heard these words he went away sad, for he was a man of great wealth. His wealth had become his stumbling block. He wanted to have his cake and eat it too, but one needs to choose: to remain attached to one's wealth, or willing to let go and follow Jesus. When we become attached to our wealth, our position, or our fame, we become more concerned about such things, and fail to listen to God's voice. Do we want that which is temporary in this world, or do we want that which is eternal?
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