ACTIVITY: Reflective Journal_1 (One-page, 5-10 sentences)
In your own way, how can you relate to the story of the rich young man who is in search
for answers to his most fundamental question about life?
To conclude this lesson, as you recall the story of the rich young man. May we realize
that as a young man/woman your time is confronted by difficult questions about life, and
as you earnestly look for answers to the deepest mysteries of life, may your story end
with a resolution that you may never leave and be disheartened in what Christ is
teaching you, but may you allow yourself to be led by Christ who is the good teacher.
YOUTUBE VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:
One day, Jesus and his disciples were on their way to Jerusalem. A rich young leader
came running to Jesus. He got down on his knees and asked Jesus a question.
“Good teacher, what do I need to do to live with you forever in heaven when I die?”
“Good teacher? Why do you call me good? Only God is truly good.”
“I believe you are from God, teacher.”
“Well, to answer your question, you know the Ten Commandments, right? You must not
murder. You must not be unfaithful to your wife. You must not steal. You must not tell
lies. You must not cheat anyone. Honor your father and mother.”
“Oh, yes, teacher. I have obeyed all these commandments since I was a kid.”
“Is that all?” Jesus looked at the man with a smile. He loved this young man. Jesus
really wanted this man to follow him and could see what was holding him back.
“Well then, there's still one thing you haven't done. Go and sell everything you own and
give your money to the poor so you will have treasure in heaven. Then I want you to
come follow me and be one of my disciples.”
When the man heard this, his face fell. Instead of saying yes to Jesus’ offer, he walked
away feeling sad. He didn't want to give up his stuff. It would be easier for a camel to
walk through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.
“You can't get there holding on to the things you love here on earth. You have to let go
of the things on earth to grab onto the things of heaven.”
The disciples wondered who in the world could be saved then?
“Isn't that too hard for anyone to do?”
“With your own human strength it is impossible. But with God's strength, everything is
possible.”
Peter, one of Jesus' disciples said “we've given up everything to follow you, Jesus.”
“Yes, you have. And I promise you that everyone who has given up everything to follow
me and spread the Good News will receive a reward a hundred times better. In life on
earth you'll face hard times and suffering but you'll get eternal life. Those who are the
greatest now will be the least important then. Those who seem the least important now
will be the greatest in heaven.”