Luke 18:22

And when Jesus heard it, he said to him, “One thing you still lack.  Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”

The most frightening commands of God are the ones we don’t obey.  Obey them, and they become transfigured into joy.  The rich young man was terrified of the command in today’s verse.  As a result, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.  Twelve centuries later, however, another rich young man faced down his fear, obeyed Jesus, and found not degradation but elated freedom.  His name was Francesco Bernadone and he is better know to history as St. Francis of Assisi.  For him, poverty was freedom and joy.  “Lady Poverty” was his delightful companion and he lived, perhaps more than anybody before or since, both the heroism and poetry of the Faith with a simplicity that is still attractive 800 years later.  Today, take a step to “live small” and divest yourself of some of the world’s trumpery so that you can be free to follow Jesus a bit more.  You won’t be sorry.  You’ll be free!