Peanuts to Pearls

PRAISE + JESUS!

My Only Possession
An Inner Healing Story

Once upon a time, a very rich, young man heard about Jesus of Nazareth. He was fascinated by all that he learned and felt a spark of love flare up within him. So he searched for and found Jesus. Our Lord looked with love at this enthusiastic young man, told him to sell all his many possessions, give the money to the poor and, then He said to him: "Come follow Me." (Lk18:22) Immediately, the young man's face fell. He was very wealthy and, as much as he was attracted to Christ, he did not want to give up all his possessions.

He was very upset and walked away. Sadness gripped him. He went back to his luxurious home that he treasured so much. His servants tried to cheer him because he was downcast and moody. For some time he wallowed in this slump.

Then, one day a shabby, barefoot beggar came to his door and knocked. The beggar asked the servant, who came to the door, if he could speak to his master. The rich, young man condescended to meet the beggar, thinking he was going to ask for money or for something from him.

The beggar looked into the young man's eyes and said: "My friend, I was in the crowd with Jesus. I saw you run to Him. Your eyes were shining with joy and hope. You were so happy to speak with Him. Then, when Jesus told you to sell all you own and give the proceeds to the poor, I saw you overcome with grief and sadness. My heart ached for you. In my heart, I know you really do love Jesus and you do want to follow Him but you are afraid. Is that true? Tears ran down the young man's face. He looked at the beggar and nodded.

The beggar, seeing his tear-stained face, said: "My friend, I was once like you, very rich, treasuring all my possessions . . . then I met Jesus. He told me I had to give everything away to be His disciple. I turned away in anger, sadness and disappointment. I became miserable and unhappy because I wanted His love and friendship on my terms. For a time I ranted and raged against Him. Then, just before dawn one day I woke up knowing that you cannot meet Jesus Christ and ever be the same again. I sold everything, gave the money to the poor and, singing in my heart, I ran after Jesus and fell at His feet. His look of love pierced my heart. I knew then that Jesus, Himself, wanted to be my only Possession."

Inner Healing Prayer

Lord Jesus, please:
Open my eyes to see You,
my ears to hear You,
my mind to know You,
my heart to love You.
Give me Your attitudes,
Your beliefs,
Your joy,
Your trust in the Father,
Your Holy Spirit,
Your Mother,
Yourself.

I thank you for making me so beautiful.
Teach me to be and to become Your true disciple.
In union with You teach me to know and to do the Father's Will.
Amen.