We are all basically good people. We invest ourselves in relationships and jobs. We come to church every Sunday, we pray for the sick and the hungry, and we are kind to our neighbour. With a strong work ethic, we feel it our right to be rewarded, just like the new bike I was promised for passing my Grade. At the same time we dream of better things, and that usually means better material things.
Money is a big attraction in every age, considered the ultimate crowning of every noble effort.
Money was what the rich young man in today's Gospel had lots of. He was an attractive young fellow, that day when he ran up to Jesus and knelt before him. He probably had an impeccable reputation. He loved God and was faithful to the commandments. Maybe at some earlier point in his life he had given his heart and soul to God, but that was a long time ago.