There’s an old saying that goes: “We can’t cross the sea by standing and staring at the water.” The Gospel clarifies for us the fact that the Christian way is of action not mere words; of performance not mere promise. The rich man does not understand that because the Word was made Flesh, he is now obliged not to just say he believes but to live like he believes.

When we proclaim the Cross of Jesus as the sign that we are His followers, we accept in obedience His Will as a path to conformation. “He must increase, I must decrease.”

The struggle within our own personalities, with our own pride and stubbornness can be difficult and life-long. But it is the Cross and the reflection of His wounds that humbles us to accept the realities of our faith.

Mary, the Mother of Hope can be our truest example. In her ‘yes’ we can imitate with humility the response the Father desires in us. In her ‘yes’ we can find His perfect love for us.

“We can’t cross the sea by standing and staring at the water.” We have to plunge into the ocean of His love and swim in His word every day, everywhere.