WRITTEN TH. KIRYGMA

The rich young ruler of today's Gospel passage, having been comfortable here on earth, wanted to achieve the highest of goals, eternal life.

In his encounter with Christ he asked to know, having the riches of the present life, what he must do to obtain eternal life. Christ immediately pointed out the commandments to him, and the young man assured him that he had practiced all of them «from his youth.» He understood that something more was required.

Christ, seeing the rich young man's sincere desire, said to him: «One more thing you lack: sell all that you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come and follow me.».

But this proposal exceeds the young man's expectations, and it seems inconceivable to him that eternal life depends on his attitude towards his wealth.

But he understands well that wealth is not transferred to eternal life, but remains in temporary life, he cannot escape from the grip of material wealth and leaves sadly.

If we look carefully at the true meaning of the passage, selling what one has is not a prerequisite to following Christ, but a consequence of that decision. One first believes (loves - trusts) Christ and then follows Him. By sincerely following Christ, one is willing to make any sacrifice.

And today, our Holy Church honours such a man, Stylianos of Paphlagonia, who lived in the 4th century.

Saint Stylianos, who came from a rich family, unlike the rich man of today's passage, sold his property and distributed to the poor the money in order to devote himself to Christ.

My brothers and sisters, in conclusion, we must emphasize that the following of Christ is what the young man of today's passage desired, namely eternal life.

Eternal life is union with God and the recognition of Christ's lordship in our lives. But following Christ is not possible without sacrifice, especially of the things or persons to which we are attached and which we love most in our lives.

Archimandrite Frumentios Demetriou