Yard Sales for Heaven
Jesus said to him, "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)
Have you ever seen a U-Haul truck in a funeral procession? There is a fable about a great king whose name was Midas. King Midas was a rich and selfish man who loved his gold. He would rather spend his days in his room counting his money, than enjoying the beauty around him. One day he was visited by a stranger who could grant him any wish. Midas wished that he would be able to turn anything into gold simply by touching it. Midas soon discovered that what he had asked for had become a curse. He could not eat and when he attempted to comfort his daughter, she, too, became solid gold at his touch. The lesson he learned was a hard one. At times we have allowed our possessions become extensions of who we are. Jesus teaches us that the good life is not found in the good times or many possessions. Rather, a good life is found by living according to the Commandments and total dedication to God. In that we find real happiness.
+ Are we really prepared to handle those things that we are asking for?
+ Are our desires in line with the will of God?
+ How many times are we disappointed because what we think should happen does not?
Time to purge your stuffs so you can have space for God!
Prayer for Detachment
I beg of you, my Lord, to remove anything which separates me from you, and you from me. Remove anything that makes me unworthy of your sight, your control, your reprehension; of your speech and conversation, of your benevolence and love. Cast from me every evil that stands in the way of my seeing you, hearing, tasting, savoring, and touching you; fearing and being mindful of you; knowing, trusting, loving, and possessing you; being conscious of your presence and, as far as may be, enjoying you. This is what I ask for myself and earnestly desire from you. Amen. (Saint Peter Faber, SJ)
Peace in Christ,
Father Vincent-Vuong Nguyen