Today's gospel reading depicts an intensely personalized, detailed scene in Jesus' ministry. Although both Matthew (19:16-30) and Luke (18:18-30) also report this encounter, the Markan version presents the most poignant, sympathetic picture of this man who comes to Jesus seeking an answer to the question " ... what must I do to inherit eternal life?"

This scene stands squarely in the midst of the Markan discussions of what it means to be a disciple in the shadow of the cross. Immediately following this pericope, Jesus will articulate for the third time his own passion prediction to the faithful, but yet uncomprehending disciples. Preceding today's gospel text, Jesus declares that the proper attitude to "receive the kingdom of God" is to be as a "little child" (10:15). Between this demand f…