28th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B) The encounter of Christ with the young man mentioned in today's Gospel is often commented on by spiritual authors, because it hits close to home for most people who practice their Christianity. This person who approached Jesus was a decent individual, who felt that he had always been guided by the commandments of God.  What is more, he was conscientious enough to be asking himself, perhaps often, if he was living a sufficiently good life. No doubt he was at least partially aware of certain deficiencies and weaknesses. However, the fact that Jesus looks at him with special affection shows that Our Lord knew he was upright enough to be called to serve the needs of Christ's Kingdom. When Jesus then puts before him the "more" that he would like of him, the young man takes fright.  He could not bear the thought of being separated from certain comforts that his well to do position offered him.  He was attached to his material possessions. He was afraid to lose the freedom to manage his life as he liked. He wavered and, in the end, gave no response, but instead excused himself and "went away sad." It is unclear what sort of answer he expected from Jesus to his question -- what more must I do?  What is evident is that he was not prepared to commit himself -- to forego what he regarded as his freedom, his security, his social position, his legitimate pleasures.