The gospel of Saint Matthew tells that Jesus, on his trip to Jerusalem before his triumphal entry, taught many teachings about the Kingdom of God, the dominion or empire of God's perfections. And among these teachings, the one that Jesus gave to a rich young man who asked him how to inherit eternal life stands out. In this dialogue Jesus made something very clear, nobody enters into the Kingdom of God moved by spiritual curiosity or the fear of men, but rather through the fear of God (constancy, firmness, devotion, equanimity, and stability).
This interesting dialogue is a reminder that material wealth does not ensure happiness, but rather a heart well predisposed towards God and his wisdom.
With these words, begin in the gospel the dialogue between Jesus and the rich young man:
"Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, ´Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?´
´Why ask me about what is good?´ Jesus replied. ´There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to receive eternal life, keep the commandments´" Matthew 19:16-17.
Eternal life is in the doctrine of the Kingdom the end of man's life and the maximum good that can be accessed, fundamentally eternal life is the same contemplative activity and everything that it entails. The question that Jesus had received was fundamental.
And facing the question of the commandment, the rich man answered that he had fulfilled all the Law since he was young, so Jesus went to what he lacked, the gift of fear of God, and that is where this person who asked Jesus failed, because this person loved riches more than anything.
This is how the gospel tells us the end of the dialogue between Jesus and the rich man:
"Jesus answered, ´If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.´
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth" Matthew 19:21-22.
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