Listen

As Jesus continued down the road, a man ran up, knelt before him, and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to obtain eternal life?”

Jesus replied, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except the one God. You know the commandments: Don’t commit murder. Don’t commit adultery. Don’t steal. Don’t give false testimony. Don’t cheat. Honor your father and mother.”

“Teacher,” he responded, “I’ve kept all of these things since I was a boy.”

Jesus looked at him carefully and loved him. He said, “You are lacking one thing. Go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor. Then you will have treasure in heaven. And come, follow me.” But the man was dismayed at this statement and went away saddened, because he had many possessions.

Mark 10:17-22

Think

I have so many questions I’d like to ask Jesus. I’d like to know about his life and interests. I’m curious about heaven. I desire to know about my loved ones who have died. I have so many questions about the Bible and what Jesus meant in his parables and words. Yet, maybe the answers Jesus gives are not the ones I want to hear. Will Jesus challenge my faith? Will he question my thoughts and words? Will he call me to do something I’m afraid to do?

We’re not alone in our questions. Or our doubts. No matter what questions we ask, Jesus looks at us as he did this man – looking at him carefully and loving him. No question is too hard or too crazy to ask Jesus. Questions deepen our faith and invite God to speak to us. When asking Jesus questions, be open to the answers. Keep asking questions. Keep wondering. Remember that Jesus sees us and hears us and loves us deeply.

Kimberly Knowle-Zeller

Pray

Loving Lord, keep me asking questions to know you more. May I also be a person for others to come and ask questions. Amen.

Go

My heart shall sing of the day you bring.

Let the fires of your justice burn.

Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near, and the world is about to turn.

from “Canticle of the Turning” by Rory Cooney (1990)