Detachment is the way towards Perfection

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twentieth Week : Monday*

*Gospel : Mt 19:16-22*

*First Reading : Ez 24:15-23*

*Responsorial Psalm : Deuteronomy 32:18-19, 20, 21*

*Detachment is the way towards Perfection*

*1) Jesus speaks on perfection*

In the context of answering the question, raised by the young man Jesus says *“If you wish to be perfect*

This particular aspect shows that there is a way to become perfect in our life, which demands a particular path to follow in our life 

*2) Detachment is the path towards perfection*

When Jesus speaks about the perfection in ones life, Jesus also shows the path towards perfection

Jesus says *If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”*

This particular view of Jesus clearly shows that unless one has the willingness to practice the virtue of detachment, one is not able to attain perfection

Detachment is at the centre of perfection 

*3) Mere practice of the commandments are not Sufficient*

The Young had practiced all the commandments which Jesus had mentioned 

The Young man says *“All of these I have observed. What do I still lack?”*

If Jesus had not answered further to this question, it would have been very clear that the practice of the above commandments, which Jesus had mentioned, would have become the criteria for perfection 

Since Jesus further says *If you wish to be perfect* it shows that in spite of practicing the commandments, he lacked something to become perfect 

So mere practice of the commandments are not sufficient for perfection 

*4) practice of the commandments and the detachment*

From the Gospel it appears that, the practice of the commandments is easy but the way of perfection is difficult, which is the total detachment 

The spirit of the commandments consists is avoiding something and doing something. 

The spirit of perfection is total giving up everything trusting in the Lord and following Jesus 

This is the real meaning of detachment 

*5) Attachment and Sadness*

The Gospel of the day says at last that *he went away sad,  for he had many possessions*

He was so much attached to his possession, which he was not willing to give up 

This attachment to his possessions, finally brings about a great sadness, which results in going away from Jesus 

Ultimately the attachment to worldly things, brings about sadness and breaking the relationship with Jesus 

*6) Detachment at the centre of Christian Spirituality*

Jesus was not attached to any of the things of this world. So he was ready to move from one place to another and was able to do lots of work

With attachment to the worldly things, finally brings about greed and ends up in sadness

Detachment was at the center of Jesus' ministry

All saints practiced this virtue of detachment 

Detachment also needs a great amount of discipline and the aspect of sacrifice

Am I able to detach myself from the undue attachment to this worldly things? 

How does the detachment works in my life? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*