Leave Your Luggage at the Door - Weekday Homily Video

In an old film named Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, we follow the adventurous archaeologist Indiana Jones as he embarks on a quest to find his father, Henry Jones Sr., who has disappeared while searching for the Holy Grail. This journey is fraught with peril, including encounters with Nazis and treacherous traps. Ultimately, Indiana reaches the Grail's chamber, where he faces a critical choice: select the true Grail from a collection of ornate golden cups. Choosing incorrectly means death; choosing wisely grants life. Indiana selects a humble, unadorned wooden cup—the cup of a carpenter—and is rewarded with the true Grail. 

This cinematic narrative mirrors a profound spiritual truth found in the Gospel of today.  

We Are Given a Choice

Here, a wealthy young man approaches Jesus, earnestly seeking the key to eternal life. He has diligently followed the commandments since his youth, yet he senses something is missing. Jesus, looking at him with love, offers a challenging invitation: "Go, sell everything you own and give the money to the poor. Then, come, follow me." The young man's face falls, and he walks away sorrowful, unable to part with his great wealth.  Both stories, of Indiana Jones and this young man from the gospel are about choosing the right cup. Indiana Jones picks the humble one. The rich young man clings to his golden chalice. And Jesus? He’s offering us the same choice. 

Putting Aside Our Distractors

For centuries, the people of Israel believed that material prosperity was a sign of God's favor—a reward for righteousness. Wealth, health, and a large family were seen as tangible blessings in this life, especially since the afterlife was perceived as a shadowy existence in Sheol. However, Jesus turns this conventional wisdom on its head. He teaches that wealth can be a significant obstacle to entering the Kingdom of God. Jesus isn’t anti-money. He’s anti-addiction. Wealth isn’t just cash—it’s whatever we hoard that buffers our soul from God. Jesus’ command to “sell what you own” is less about poverty and more about priorities. What’s your “wealth”? Your hustle? Your reputation? Your Amazon cart? 

Reflecting on our own lives, we might recognize that our faith often centers on prohibitions: don't miss Mass, don't harm others, don't steal, don't gossip. Yet, even in these areas, we may fall short—attending services irregularly, mistreating those under our care, or engaging in "harmless" gossip. The rich young man in the Gospel surpasses many of us; he claims to have kept all these commandments from his youth. Still, he yearns for something more, indicating that mere rule-following is insufficient for true discipleship. 

A More Meaningful Life

Jesus invites him—and us—to move beyond a faith of avoidance to a faith of action. He calls us to detach from our possessions and follow Him wholeheartedly. This transition from a "don't" mentality to a "do" mentality involves active love, generosity, and trust in God's provision. 

Theologian Ron Rolheiser asks, “Is your life happy, or is it meaningful?” The rich young man had happiness—money, status, comfort. But he walked away sad because he lacked meaning.  Accumulating wealth and possessions might bring temporary happiness, but it doesn't equate to a meaningful, fulfilling life.  

Jesus isn’t asking you to live in a van (unless that’s your thing). He’s inviting you to live unburdened. The rich young man walked away sad because he couldn’t imagine life without his stuff. Don’t be that guy. The Kingdom of God isn’t a poverty contest. It’s a party or a celebration of freedom. You’re invited. Dress code: Bring your whole self. But leave your baggage at the door. 

Now go clear your stash....

• Today’s Readings

• Father Boby's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (and the Rosary at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page. 

• To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)