Sermon - October 10, 2021

<p>As Rich just reminded us this morning, we have come to that time of year when we intentionally place a focus on Stewardship. So, it is fitting that we are given a gospel reading that speaks about wealth, money and all the “stuff” we think we must possess.  I realize money, and the multiple issues, challenges, and questions concerning money, are not going away anytime soon. And, many of these issues center around what we <strong>do</strong>, and what we need <strong>to do</strong>, to access our money and our privilege.  Many of these issues center around our captivity to our possessions, and the good life most of us enjoy. However, Jesus offers us the possibility to see past some these issues and challenges, especially when it comes to the things that matter most in life.  As we meet up with Jesus today, we find him telling a young landowner there is freedom in leaving <strong>possessions</strong> and <strong>“stuff”</strong> behind.</p> <p>Today, a rich young man kneels before Jesus and asks, “What must I <strong><em>do</em></strong> to <strong><em>inherit</em></strong> eternal life?” The focus of this man’s mindset significantly <strong>contradicts</strong> Jesus’ teaching.  This rich young man is a person of privilege, his mindset is one of <strong>entitlement,</strong> and his question is quite insightful as it tells us a great deal about him.  Rather than <strong>receiving</strong> the kingdom in complete dependence as a little child, something Jesus just shared with us last week, this rich man wants to know what he must <strong><em>do</em></strong> to <em><strong>inherit</strong></em> eternal life.  The words “do” and “inherit” are of prime importance in this reading.  Just think about it – as we think about inheritance, one can rarely <em>do</em> anything to receive an <em>inheritance</em> because, by definition, an inheritance is something a person can only be <strong>given</strong>.  Anyway, a certain tension starts to arise in this conversation.</p> <p>That tension rises higher as the man states he h