Today is Oct.13, the Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
In today’s Gospel we hear the story of Christ’s encounter with the rich young man. Mark the evangelist records: “Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, ‘You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me'” (Mk 10:21).
The German artist Heinrich Hofmann painted one of the most famous images of this scene, of the rich young man approaching Jesus. In Hoffman’s version, Christ and the rich young man stand before a stone wall. The young man is clothed in luxurious green silk robes, adorned with an elegant shawl and wearing a lavish turban. Christ gestures with both hands toward a poor elderly couple in the background.
Gazing on Hoffman’s canvas, the viewer is drawn into the rich young man’s inner struggle, captured not only in his noble garments but in the deep sorrow etched across his face. Hofmann, reflecting on his work in 1905, shared his intention that “the shameful turn away from the demand of the Lord should be clearly readable.” And indeed, it is. The young man’s wealth, represented by his elegant attire, weighs heavily upon him as he realizes the cost of discipleship. His eyes betray his internal conflict — a heart torn between worldly riches and the treasure offered by Christ.
Closer examination reveals, however, that Our Lord, not the young man’s sorrow, is the true focal point of the painting. Christ’s gaze penetrates the soul of the young man, testing his willingness to surrender all. But at the same time, there is profound regret and sympathy, a tender sorrow for the one who cannot bring himself to follow fully. Jesus does not look upon the young man with judgment or condemnation. Our Lord sees the potential in the young man, the goodness of his heart, and the tragic attachment that holds him back.
Hofmann’s portrayal of Christ’s sorrowful yet loving gaze reveals a savior who deeply desires our hearts, who calls us to more than we can imagine. It is an invitation to trust that his way, though challenging, leads to the greatest treasure of all. As we meditate on this painting, let us ask ourselves: What are we still holding on to? What is Christ lovingly asking us to surrender? And can we, unlike the rich young man, accept the invitation to follow him, trusting in his love?
A prayer for grace to help us follow the Lord’s will:
May your grace, O lord, we pray, at all times go before us and follow after and make us always determined to carry out good works. Through our lord Jesus Christ, your son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the holy spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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