Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 348 – Part III.

YOUCAT Question n. 348 – Part III. “Teacher, what must I do to have eternal life?” (Mt 19:16)

(Youcat answer - repeated) Jesus says, “If you would enter life, keep the commandments” (Mt 19:17). Then he adds, and come, follow me” (Mt 19:21).

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 2053) To this first reply Jesus adds a second: "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me" (Mt 19:21). This reply does not do away with the first: following Jesus Christ involves keeping the Commandments. The Law has not been abolished (Cf. Mt 5:17), but rather man is invited to rediscover it in the person of his Master who is its perfect fulfillment. In the three synoptic Gospels, Jesus' call to the rich young man to follow him, in the obedience of a disciple and in the observance of the Commandments, is joined to the call to poverty and chastity (Cf. Mt 19:6-12, 21, 23-29). The evangelical counsels are inseparable from the Commandments.

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) Christianity is more than a correct life and keeping the commandments. Being a Christian is a living relationship to Jesus. A Christian unites himself deeply and personally with the Lord and with him sets out on the way that leads to true life.

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 2054) Jesus acknowledged the Ten Commandments, but he also showed the power of the Spirit at work in their letter. He preached a "righteousness [which] exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees" (Mt 5:20) as well as that of the Gentiles (Cf. Mt 5:46-47). He unfolded all the demands of the Commandments. "You have heard that it was said to the men of old, 'You shall not kill.' …But I say to you that every one who is angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment" (Mt 5:21-22). (CCC 2076) By his life and by his preaching Jesus attested to the permanent validity of the Decalogue.       

(The next question is: What are the Ten Commandments?)