August 17, 2026
Monday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
Gospel: Matthew 19:16-22

Today is Monday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time. The Gospel passage from Saint Matthew presents a dialogue between Jesus and a young man. I would like to offer some reflections on this text.

First, Matthew tells us that a young man approached Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good must I do to gain eternal life?” Jesus answered him, “Why do you ask me about the Good? There is only One who is Good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He asked Him, “Which ones?” (cf. Matt 19:16-18a). From this exchange, we see that this young man belongs entirely to this world. And what sort of world is this? It is a world where money endures and possessions remain secure. In his view, God is supremely just, rewarding good and punishing evil. He believes that as long as his conduct aligns with the divine will, he will attain eternal life.

Next, Matthew presents the continuation of the dialogue between Jesus and this young man (cf. Matt 19:18b-20). This very dynamic is what we often observe in the Church today. Within our community, many brothers and sisters resemble this youth. On the surface, they keep the commandments; they attend Mass daily and exhibit a zeal and devotion that sometimes surpass even that of the clergy. They do all this because they firmly believe that such practices will merit them eternal life. Consequently, they seek further instructions from Jesus on what more they must observe.

So, how can we become truly beautiful, conformed to Jesus? To be conformed to Christ, we must embrace the worldview, values, and anthropology that Jesus came to establish for this passing world. We must acknowledge that all we possess is a gift from God. Guided by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, we must wisely steward all that God has given us. In this way, through our actions, this passing world may experience God’s mercy and goodness. Thus, like us, others may come to trust in the Divine Word, longing for the Heavenly Homeland. They will cease storing up treasures on earth and instead seek to lay up for themselves treasures in the Kingdom of Heaven—treasures that neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

O God, who have prepared for those who love you
good things which no eye can see,
fill our hearts, we pray, with the warmth of your love,
so that, loving you in all things and above all things,
we may attain your promises,
which surpass every human desire.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever

©Totus Tuus 2026
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica