Iron & Altar

"If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions. - Matthew 19:21-22

Ezekiel was told his wife would die and he must carry that grief as a sign - without the customary mourning, without the bread, binding on his turban as if nothing had happened. He did as commanded. The next morning he was at his post.

The young man asked what he still lacked, Jesus told him exactly what it was, and he went away sad. He did not argue. He did not pretend the answer was wrong. He went away sad. Which means he heard it. Understood it. Could not yet do it.

Most men have a young-man moment. The cost Jesus names is specific to the person in front of him - not a general principle but the particular thing that holds this particular man's heart. For some it is money. For others it is comfort, or reputation, or the way things are currently arranged. Jesus does not give a category. He gives the one thing.

Mark's Gospel adds the detail Matthew leaves out: Jesus looked at him and loved him. The love does not wait for compliance. It is already there, already given, already watching him go. The invitation goes with him.

Brother, what is your one thing? Not a category - the specific thing that, if Jesus named it today, would send you away sad rather than surrendered. Name it honestly. You don't have to have released it yet to name it. The young man at least asked the question. Ask it. Then tell another man what the answer is. The weight of carrying the one thing alone is part of what keeps it heavy.

Lord, I have observed many things. What do I still lack? Tell me the specific answer, even if it sends me away sad first. And let me come back when I am ready to stay for it. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us. Amen.