Won't Let Go [Proper 23B - Mark 10:17-31]
The Rt. Rev. Jeremiah Williamson Mark 10:17-31 Won’t Let Go Church of our Saviour, Lebanon Springs This is not a test. Last week, in the Gospel preceding today’s, a group of Pharisees did come to test Jesus; their question was nothing more than a trap, a linguistic exercise meant to ensnare their holy adversary. But this is different: this man, this wealthy man in today’s Gospel, is sincere. His humble posture and dirty garments are proof of his sincerity. He kneels before Jesus on the dusty, grimy road and asks a question of ultimate importance. “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” The man’s question was personal – not theoretical, not academic. He did not ask Jesus, “What must one do?” or “What must they do?” His question was an “I” statement. The man was concerned about the state of his own soul. And about the acquisition of another inheritance – one more permanent than the treasures of this earth. It is interesting to me that h