Jul 05 2009
Oh, For the Love of God!
Jesus said to him, “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.’ When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions. – Matthew 19:21-22, New American Bible
I’ve been reading The Apostle of the Chippewas, about Servant of God Frederick Baraga. In less than 100 pages, it summarizes Baraga’s life story. One circumstance grabbed me.
Fr. Baraga served at the Odawa (Ottawa) village of Arbre Croche, Michigan. NonChristian members of the tribe would bring him idols and other articles they had used, “requesting that Father Baraga would burn them in token of the native’s willingness to convert to Christianity. The missionary would participate gladly in such ceremonious offerings… (praying as they burned) ‘God of hosts, who alone should be adored, receive with pleasure this sacrifice.’” (p. 29)
Jesus told the young rich man, who had followed all the Commandments, that only one thing remained: To let go of every material good and follow Him. Even when I was a little girl and owned only a few things, I wondered if I could give away my stuffed dog, my bed, and my wonderful baby doll (wonderful because she could survive taking baths with me).
As I grew older, I thought more on Mark’s account of the same event (Mark 10:17-22). Mark wrote that before the Lord answered the question, “Jesus, looking at him, loved him…” I like to think that, although the young man went away sad, the memory of that loving look caused him to reconsider.
The Odawa’s sacrifice of idols showed a profound love of God. They didn’t hang onto things for sentimental value or pass them on to other members of the tribe. Instead, they symbolically burned away their past, with the determination of never looking back – only going forward to follow Christ.
Would that all Christians could do the same!
I too, believe the rich man knew he had to dispose of more of his goods than would keep him comfortable. I believe he is now with God and were we to know his name, he should be the patron saint of donors. We all store far too much and in thiseconomy, we need more than ever to share what we have with our brothers and sisters. If then, we come to recognize that God alone will see to our needs, we can exchange our current and false gods…money, cars etc., for the one True God, seeking daily to follow His Will and His Way.
Interesting thoughts, Terry.
I apologize for not responding to your comment earlier. I was away from the computer since August.
So, do you think that this current economy is a blessing in disguise? More people of my aquaintance are turning away from materialism, being more natural in their interactions with others (as opposed to meeting at malls or going to the movies).