In the study of Moral Theology, Fr. Robert Ng, S.J. told us to differentiate among the three different types of ethics found in the Bible.
1) Practical: This is the ordinary principles and regulations which we are familiar with. For example, Christian couples should not divorce (Mark 10:9); Christians should settle their disputes within the Church. They should not bring their cases to magistrates outside the Church (1 Corinthians 6:1-6) etc.
2) Transcendental: Animated by the grace of God, Christians lead a life of faith, hope and charity. They are willing to turn the other cheek, to walk an extra mile, to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5-7). Christians practise these virtues in response to God's call.
3) Eschatological: This is confined to a selected few. They lead a life that brings in the Kingdom of God. For example, the evangelical counsels, the communism practises by the early Church in Jerusalem.
In the gospel reading today, we heard of the story of the rich young man. Let's take a closer look at the story.
1) Practical: This is the ordinary principles and regulations which we are familiar with. For example, Christian couples should not divorce (Mark 10:9); Christians should settle their disputes within the Church. They should not bring their cases to magistrates outside the Church (1 Corinthians 6:1-6) etc.
2) Transcendental: Animated by the grace of God, Christians lead a life of faith, hope and charity. They are willing to turn the other cheek, to walk an extra mile, to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5-7). Christians practise these virtues in response to God's call.
3) Eschatological: This is confined to a selected few. They lead a life that brings in the Kingdom of God. For example, the evangelical counsels, the communism practises by the early Church in Jerusalem.
In the gospel reading today, we heard of the story of the rich young man. Let's take a closer look at the story.
And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him, and asked him, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Mark 10:17)
This man was really sincere. He knelt before Jesus and asked for enlightenment. From his question, we could sense that this man was very idealistic. Perhaps he was rich, perfectly sheltered from the plights of the world. Probably he had never seen poverty or starvation. Therefore, he asked Jesus to enlighten him so that he could attain eternal life.
To bring him back to reality, Jesus asked if he had kept all the commandments. He did. Keeping the commandment is such a basic thing that nearly all cultures and civilizations have similar precepts to help us lead a normal life. Without these precepts, social life will become chaotic. In short, these commandments make social life possible and prevent the disintegration of a community.
And Jesus looking upon him loved him, and said to him, "You lack one thing; go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." (Mark 10:21)
Jesus saw a potential apostle in this young man. He invited him to lead a life of eschatological ethics. To bring the Kingdom of God on earth, Jesus called this young man to follow him. The response to this call entailed a renunciation of one's riches and one's whole life. This was far too difficult for this idealistic and egocentric young man.
We do not know what became of this young man. I am sure he remained a good man. But he failed to respond to Jesus' call. He had missed the opportunity to receive greater grace from God. He had chosen to tread down another path. The Church has one saint less. But why didn't Jesus force him to answer His call like what he had done to Jonah?
Jesus behaved very differently from the Yahweh of the Old Testament. Jesus encouraged certain behaviours but he never forced anybody to follow his instructions. This was a demonstration of God's respect for man's freedom. In the Old Testament, man's responsibility was diminished because very often, God intervened. Now, Jesus respected our freedom. Consequently, our responsibility reaches its full share. We become fully responsible for our choices and actions.
This man was really sincere. He knelt before Jesus and asked for enlightenment. From his question, we could sense that this man was very idealistic. Perhaps he was rich, perfectly sheltered from the plights of the world. Probably he had never seen poverty or starvation. Therefore, he asked Jesus to enlighten him so that he could attain eternal life.
To bring him back to reality, Jesus asked if he had kept all the commandments. He did. Keeping the commandment is such a basic thing that nearly all cultures and civilizations have similar precepts to help us lead a normal life. Without these precepts, social life will become chaotic. In short, these commandments make social life possible and prevent the disintegration of a community.
And Jesus looking upon him loved him, and said to him, "You lack one thing; go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." (Mark 10:21)
Jesus saw a potential apostle in this young man. He invited him to lead a life of eschatological ethics. To bring the Kingdom of God on earth, Jesus called this young man to follow him. The response to this call entailed a renunciation of one's riches and one's whole life. This was far too difficult for this idealistic and egocentric young man.
We do not know what became of this young man. I am sure he remained a good man. But he failed to respond to Jesus' call. He had missed the opportunity to receive greater grace from God. He had chosen to tread down another path. The Church has one saint less. But why didn't Jesus force him to answer His call like what he had done to Jonah?
Jesus behaved very differently from the Yahweh of the Old Testament. Jesus encouraged certain behaviours but he never forced anybody to follow his instructions. This was a demonstration of God's respect for man's freedom. In the Old Testament, man's responsibility was diminished because very often, God intervened. Now, Jesus respected our freedom. Consequently, our responsibility reaches its full share. We become fully responsible for our choices and actions.
Dear Lord, in my younger days, I did not respond to Your invitation. I have loved You too late. May the days ahead be filled with Your blessings so that the people I meet will be healed. Amen.
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