The Gospel for the Rich Young Ruler

My superb priest Dean Pinter pointed out in a sermon several weeks ago something I'd never noticed: when the rich young ruler comes to Jesus, his life perfect yet somehow hollow, Jesus looks at him with love - before he repents. In his idolatry of wealth, in his self-assured spirituality, in his pride - Jesus loves him in all that, despite the fact that he doesn't shed it. He goes away sad, more sad than he knows; but it is not for lack of love on Jesus' part.