The rich man is still in quarantine - April 2

Today’s Readings: Exod. 7:25–8:19; 2 Cor. 3:7–18; Mark 10:17–31

In today’s Gospel passage, a rich man has been following the laws of God exceptionally well. He asks Jesus what he needs to inherit eternal life. After walking through the litany of rules this man has followed, Jesus says, “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.” I keep wondering if all the things that the man had were keeping him from following Jesus. It sounds like he has stored up quite a bit of treasure.

One of the interesting aspects of COVID-19 and the impact on our culture and society is the lack of discrimination. It does not matter who you are or what you own; to make our society safer, we all have to isolate ourselves. There is no purchasing a cure or even a pass to be able to gather in the public arena. Where I have found the most comfort in quarantine, it has been through my practicing of praying for others, and my time in worship on Facebook and the daily digging into Scriptures. It makes me wonder, what really is necessary for a fulfilled life and maybe even life eternal?

Regardless of where we find ourselves in the accumulation of wealth (or the loss in the market) what is helping you be grounded and well in the midst of this time? How much of that is tied to what you own or have accumulated? And how could that be a key to understanding this idea of life eternal?

- John+

Questions for Reflection

  • What things have improved your life in quarantine that have surprised you?

  • What did you think would improve your life but hasn’t?

Challenge

  • Make a prayer list of people that are on your mind and say those names daily while you are isolated from others.

John Burruss