The encounter of Jesus with the Rich Young Man does not describe a two-tiered spirituality. A superficial look at the story makes it seem that there are the ordinary joes who just keep the commandments and an elite “who wish to be perfect” who “sell what you have, give to the poor, and come follow me.” We know that such a two-tiered spirituality is a misconception because earlier in St. Matthew’s Gospel Jesus tells us “you must be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect.” All are called to perfection. But perfection does not consist in our doing good. Perfection happens when we give up all that we ordinarily rely on for happiness and instead gratefully receive whatever gift God gives to us.
