August 17, 2026
20th Week in Ordinary Time
Beyond Bare Minimums
If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.
Matthew 19:17

Who of us cannot relate to this young man at some level? “What must I do…?” he asks (v. 16). We just want a simple formula to get what we want! But the way to life is not like getting driving directions from your phone. Rather, Jesus invites a perspective, and—even more importantly—a relationship, that goes beyond simple transactions.

The commands of Jesus are ultimately all grounded in love rather than just dictating a baseline for behavior. For this man in today’s Gospel, it was his possessions that kept him from giving himself wholeheartedly to Jesus.

We hear about this encounter with the Lord, and it challenges us to look at our own hindrances, blind spots and distractions. What would Jesus ask of you and me so that we can follow him without reservation? Is there unforgiveness, disregard for others or some favorite vice holding us back? Don’t go away sad! Instead, let’s ask the Lord for help to put our relationship with him in its proper first place.

- Steve Pable

Ezekiel 24:15-23 ✚ Deuteronomy 32:18-21 ✚ Matthew 19:16-22
Hand places the red marking wooden cube for checklist. Image by Kenishirotie | stock.adobe.com
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Comments

Salina (not in control)
August 17, 2026 at 12:08 PM

*** I wonder why this young man went away sad in Matthew 19:22, “When the young man heard this, he went away sad. He was very rich!” *** It started with this young man’s question in Matthew 19:16, “Just then, a man came up to Jesus. He asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to receive eternal life?” *** Like always, Jesus answered his question with a question in Matthew 19: 17, “Why do you ask Me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One Who is good!” ******* So what was Jesus’ point of “There is...
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freeter
August 17, 2026 at 10:29 AM

Amen. :)

CBR
August 17, 2026 at 09:18 AM

Lord let me properly put my love for you in its place whatever you want me to give up or to do please just let me know in Jesus name I pray Amen Amen Amen

Holly
August 17, 2026 at 08:52 AM

Amen!

ADV
August 17, 2026 at 08:14 AM

AMEN!

Scott
August 17, 2026 at 08:13 AM

To love God with all heart, strength, soul and mind, then to love your neighbor as yourself. As I look at my own life, there is a lot of things my wife and I don't use. There are several closets, an attic, filled with things we don't use. Yes, some of the "materialistic" things are sentimental and have meaning for just us. When we give things away, it might be someone else will use the item or treasure the item differently than my wife and I will. It is important to share some of the things for someone else to...
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Gary
August 17, 2026 at 08:02 AM

" Let's ask the Lord for help to put our relationship with him in it's proper first place." Amen! Thanks Steve for your words today.

Mike
August 17, 2026 at 12:01 PM

Amen!

Lia
August 17, 2026 at 01:08 AM

Amen

Hand places the red marking wooden cube for checklist. Image by Kenishirotie | stock.adobe.com
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