The Rich Young Man: A Catholic Reflection on Mark 10:17-30

In the Gospel reading from Mark 10:17-30, Jesus encounters a rich young man who asks a profound question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” This passage is filled with rich theological and spiritual insights that challenge us to reflect on our own attachments, our discipleship, and the call to embrace a radical form of love and generosity. From a Catholic perspective, this Gospel reading reminds us of the essential teachings of Christ on the relationship between material possessions, eternal life, and the Kingdom of God.

The Young Man’s Desire for Eternal Life

The passage begins with the young man running to Jesus, kneeling before Him, and asking, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” The man’s approach is one of sincerity and eagerness. This reflects a deep desire to live righteously and align his life with the teachings of God. Jesus’ response, however, is not a mere affirmation but an invitation to look deeper. He begins by reminding the young man of the commandments, the foundational laws given by God through Moses.

Jesus lists several of the Ten Commandments, specifically those related to our relationships with others: do not murder, commit adultery, steal, bear false witness, or defraud, and honor your father and mother. The young man replies confidently that he has kept these commandments since his youth. This indicates that he is morally upright and devoted to living according to God’s laws, but there is still something missing in his heart.

The Challenge of Radical Discipleship

At this point, the Gospel introduces a pivotal moment. Jesus, looking at the young man, “loved him” and said, “You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” (Mark 10:21). This invitation reveals the heart of the Gospel message: to follow Jesus fully, one must be willing to surrender all attachments, especially to material wealth and possessions.

For the young man, this was a great challenge. Scripture tells us that “he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions.” The sorrow of the young man points to the difficulty of the call to radical discipleship. He desired eternal life, but his attachment to his wealth made it difficult to let go and fully trust in God.

This Gospel does not suggest that wealth is inherently sinful, but it cautions against the danger of placing material possessions before God. From a Catholic perspective, the Church teaches that material goods, while not bad in themselves, can become obstacles to holiness if they take precedence over our relationship with God. In this passage, Jesus is calling for a detachment from wealth, a challenge that resonates throughout the teachings of the Church on poverty, charity, and justice.

The Difficulty of Entering the Kingdom of God

Following the young man’s departure, Jesus turns to His disciples and says, “How hard it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” The disciples are astonished by His words, and Jesus continues with an even more striking image: “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” (Mark 10:25).

The image of the camel and the needle is a powerful metaphor illustrating the difficulty for those attached to worldly possessions to embrace the radical detachment necessary for true discipleship. The Church has long emphasized that our attachment to wealth, comfort, or status can blind us to the needs of others and hinder our spiritual growth. In Catholic social teaching, we are reminded of the preferential option for the poor, the call to see Christ in those who are marginalized and to share our resources with those in need.

Yet, Jesus does not leave us in despair. When the disciples ask, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus responds, “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.” This response points to the grace of God that enables us to live out the demands of discipleship. The path to eternal life is not one we can walk alone—it requires divine assistance. God’s grace, poured out through the sacraments, prayer, and our life in the Church, empowers us to surrender our attachments and follow Christ more closely.

Living as Priest, Prophet, and King

Reflecting on this passage also brings to mind the call of every baptized Catholic to live out their identity as priest, prophet, and king. This identity, bestowed upon us in baptism, calls us to participate in Christ’s threefold mission.

• As priests, we are called to offer our lives as a spiritual sacrifice to God, uniting our daily struggles, joys, and sufferings with Christ’s own offering on the cross.
• As prophets, we are called to proclaim the Gospel, not just with words but through our actions, living out the teachings of Jesus in a way that bears witness to the truth.
• As kings, we are called to serve others, especially the poor and marginalized, and to use our gifts and resources for the good of others, reflecting the servant leadership of Christ.

This Gospel reading, with its emphasis on detachment from wealth and following Jesus, challenges us to reflect on how we are living out our baptismal call. Are we truly offering our lives as a sacrifice? Are we proclaiming the Gospel through our actions? Are we serving others with love and humility?

Responding to Grace

Ultimately, the story of the rich young man invites us to reflect on our own response to God’s grace. The young man wanted eternal life, but his attachment to his wealth prevented him from fully responding to the grace offered by Jesus. We too are faced with moments where God invites us to deeper conversion, but it requires us to let go of the things that hold us back.

In the sacrament of confession, we encounter God’s mercy and are given the grace to detach ourselves from sin and grow in holiness. Through prayer and the Eucharist, we are strengthened to live out our calling as disciples. By responding to the grace we receive in these sacraments, we can follow Christ more fully, trusting that with God, all things are possible.

Conclusion: Following Christ with an Undivided Heart

The Gospel of Mark 10:17-30 calls each of us to examine our own attachments and our willingness to follow Christ with an undivided heart. Like the rich young man, we may face difficult choices in our lives, especially when it comes to material wealth and comfort. Yet, Jesus’ invitation to follow Him is a call to something greater—a life of love, service, and eternal communion with God.

As Catholics, we are reminded that true discipleship involves sacrifice, but it also leads to a deeper joy and freedom. Through the grace of God, we are empowered to let go of the things that bind us and embrace the life of holiness to which we are called. Let us, therefore, respond to Christ’s invitation with faith, trusting that He will lead us to eternal life in His Kingdom.

This Gospel challenges us to live out our baptismal identity as priests, prophets, and kings, offering our lives in service to God and others. Let us strive to follow Christ with hearts free from attachment, open to the grace that makes all things possible.

Go Deeper: Detachment and Spiritual Freedom

In this video, Fr. Chad Ripperger discusses the spiritual importance of detachment. He explains how being overly attached to material things, comfort, or personal desires can hinder our relationship with God. Fr. Ripperger emphasizes that true freedom comes from letting go of these attachments, allowing us to fully surrender to God’s will and grow in holiness. It’s a thought-provoking reflection on how detachment is essential for spiritual growth and deeper union with Christ.