He went away sad

“‘If you wish to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’ When the young man heard this statement, he went away sad, for he had many possessions.” (MT 19: 21-22)

The reason “he went away sad” was  that “he had many possessions.” There is nothing wrong with possessions until we possess them, not they possess us. It is like with our gift of self. When it is free and creative, it naturally becomes joyful; when it is only a consequence of a demand, it is neither free nor creative, and it finally leaves us sad.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.” (Gospel Acclamation)