Embracing the transformative journey
by Sister Francis Bangert
“I preferred wisdom to scepter and throne, and deemed riches nothing in comparison with her.” (Wisdom 7:8)
I was drawn to these words from Sunday's first reading because of its striking imagery. Written around 100 BC by an unknown author, they describe two movements in our spiritual journey toward wholeness: an ego-driven upward movement -- to perfection, to success, to competition, to wealth. This is the task of the first half of life.
The other is a Spirit-driven downward movement which embraces rather than resists one’s fears, weakness, vulnerability and inadequacies. This movement becomes the solution to that which was resisted, opening one to the awesome goodness and all-embracing gift of God’s unfathomable love.
In the Gospel reading, the young man asks Jesus what he must do, what must he accomplish, to get ahead, to move up the ladder of success in order to earn eternal life. “Follow the commandments," says Jesus. When the young man replies that he has done that all his life, Jesus invites him to go deeper. With a loving gaze, Jesus invites him to sell everything, give it to the poor and he would have treasure in heaven and then follow Him. He went away sad for he had many possessions.
The young man seemed to have life figured out. He was a good and upright man who kept all the rules, was secure in his possessions and enjoyed the power and authority that goes with wealth. He had it made! But now he learns that what really matters is to rejoice that all is gift, not to be earned but to be received and shared.
The lives of St. Francis of Assisi and the young man have some similarities. Both came from a wealthy background, both were seeking deeper meaning in life. One went away sad, his possessions possessed him. St. Francis chose to follow the narrow, transformational power of Scripture, finding there not only the challenges of the cross but the joy of resurrection, the dying to the old and rising to new life. The invitation to go deeper is to live with paradox—to live with an expansive love that believes that everything, everyone belongs.
“Fill us with Your love, O Lord and we will sing for joy. Teach us to number our days aright that we my gain wisdom of heart.” (responsorial psalm)
Thanks. I like the comparison between the rich young man and St, Francis. Francis was open to dying to the old and rising to a new life.