This week was my first time preaching after four months of maternity leave–a most amazing and spiritually formative time. And I was thrilled when I saw the Gospel reading for Sunday included Mark’s version of the “rich young man” coming to Jesus. I love this reading because it inspired a life-changing decision and adventure in me ten years ago. But I also loved that I was going to get to preach this text while looking at Wall Street through the glass doors at the back of Trinity.
What struck me about Mark’s Gospel this week is that Jesus said what he did to the young man out of LOVE. Jesus loved the man, and thus asked him to sell what he owned and give to the poor. This was not a punitive statement–not something to shame or burden the man. It was a statement made in love. This is how Jesus loves us–by inviting us into a life of sacrifice for others.
Watch it here.
And here’s the whole family at church this week. I’m glad Jay put Charlie’s red Holy Spirit socks on for the occasion.
lauren laughs 