Let Go

“Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, ‘You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.”  — Mark 10:21–22

Tomorrow’s gospel reading begins with a man asking what he needs to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus gazes at him with love. You see, there is nothing that anyone can do to earn God’s grace. Grace is his to have. Grace is free.

The problem is that the man has choosen not to embrace God’s grace. Instead, he holds tightly to his possessions, thinking that they are what constitute the good life. His love of possessions has gotten in the way of eternal life. His arms are are already full. He has been convinced, as so many of us are, that he will find happiness in acquiring status, wealth, and possessions. The man ultimately walks away with a heavy heart. He cannot let go.

Letting go is not an impossible task. Further in the passage Jesus tells the disciples, “[F]or God, all things are possible.” Letting go comes with regular spiritual practice such as prayer, personal devotions, and worship in community. Through such practices, we learn to rest in God’s provision and love, which knows no bounds.

Once we let go, we are free to embrace God’s love. We are free to see ourselves as God sees us – individuals fully worthy of God’s love and with infinite value.  Once we let go, we begin to experience eternal life, which is our inheritance as children of God. Once we let go, we are free to live with gratitude in our hearts.

I invite you to set aside just a few minutes each day for prayer. Place yourself before God and invite God to be with you. Draw near to God with Sunday worship.