Ezekiel 24:15-24 / Matthew 19:16-22
As we journey along in life, there is one thing that keeps happening.
We may notice it, but we may also not think too much about it.
That one thing that keeps happening is none other than change.
Some changes are for the better, but there are also other changes that makes us wonder.
In the first reading, God prepared Ezekiel for a drastic change in his life.
God is going to deprive Ezekiel the delight of his eyes, and it can be presumed that it is his wife.
But he is not to lament, or weep, or mourn for the dead and even not to cry. He is just to groan in silence.
God is going to use Ezekiel as a sign for the people, in that the Temple, the delight of their eyes, will be destroyed.
The people thought that they were safe and secure as long as the Temple, the dwelling place of God, is standing firm.
So as long as the Temple is standing, then God is with them, and they thought that God would not let His Temple be destroyed.
But all that is going to change, and the false hopes of the people will be shattered.
In the gospel, the rich young man was proud of his religious piety, and yet he knows that he does not have possession of eternal life.
Jesus told him that if he wanted to have eternal life, then he would have to give up the delight of his eyes, which is his wealth.
That change was too much for him and he went away sad.
As we experience changes in our life, let us also remember that every change is a step closer to God.
May we accept changes with hopeful hearts, and our hope will be fulfilled in the reward of eternal life.