The Rich Young Man

The Rich Young Man

Approaching Jesus, he asked Him:
— Good Master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?
— If you wish to be saved, keep the commandments: that is, you shall not kill, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not bear false witness, you shall honor your father and your mother, and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.
— All these things I have observed since my youth; what do I still lack?
— If you want to be perfect, sell all that you have, give it to the poor, and you will have a treasure in heaven. Then come to me and follow me.
— Me, Master?
— Yes; you will come with me; you will walk from city to city, from one village to another.
— Yes, Master, it is beautiful!
— Your garments will have, like mine, the red dust of the roads. You will eat, as my disciples do, the bread that comes from alms... For now, go, sell what you own, and when you are poor and humble, come with me, and think no more of your tomorrow.
— But, Master, it is so difficult...
— Do you think so? Go away rich and come back poor, that is all...
— Master, I have palaces... fine furniture... chests full of precious stones... I own vineyards, flocks... Master, I am rich, but I want to be saved, I want heaven... Tell me again, Lord, what must I do?
— Go, sell everything; give it to the poor and come back poor; and follow me.
— Master...
— Are you leaving already?
— Master, farewell...
— Farewell, young man...

With his shoulders bent and eyes fixed on the ground, the young man walks away slowly... He is sad...
The Master, too, sad and thoughtful, sighs:
— How hard it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God! Unhappy are those who cling to riches!...
John, hearing this, asks:
— Lord, who then can be saved?
— What is impossible for men is not impossible for God!

The rich young man walks on slowly. He seems to carry the weight of the whole world. At the curve of the road, he stops, looks back, as if saying farewell to a lost happiness...
Then he quickens his step and... disappears.