We have all heard this Gospel story before and perhaps find ourselves shaking our heads at the young man’s decision to walk away. Yet the Gospel challenges us to ask a much deeper question: what is my response?
Notice, the question is not “what would be my response?” but rather “what is my response?”
Several commentaries note something striking: if the young man had accepted Jesus’ invitation to sell all that he had and follow Him, he might have become a great apostle. Instead, his decision led him into a life of obscurity and mediocrity.
The Christian life is one of ongoing conversion—of both mind and heart. Jesus tells us in the Sermon on the Mount that the goal of this journey is nothing less than perfection: “Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Mt. 5:48). This means that discipleship will always call us to take the next step, to go deeper. And that can feel frightening. Too often we place our trust in ourselves, our possessions, and what is familiar. We settle for mediocrity instead of striving for holiness, because we are hesitant to detach from comfort, self-reliance, and control. In short, we hold back from loving God and neighbor with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength.
Today, let us pray for the courage to respond wholeheartedly to Christ’s invitation. May He remove whatever obstacles keep us from following Him with greater love and freedom.
Living in Love with God 
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