In this lecture, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains the meaning of Christ’s words to the rich young man: “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God” (Matthew 19:16–17). The Pope clarifies that Christ did not deny His goodness but wished to test the young man’s understanding—whether he truly knew who Christ was or merely used polite religious titles without faith.

Christ wanted to distinguish between words spoken as mere custom and those spoken out of true belief in His divinity. Thus, He asked: Do you say this as a formality, or because you believe I am the One true good God?

The Pope emphasizes that Christ openly revealed His holiness: He said, “I am the Good Shepherd,” and declared Himself sinless, “Which of you convicts Me of sin?” The angel also said to the Virgin Mary, “That Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.”

The core message is that Christ alone is perfectly good—not to deny human goodness, but to show that all goodness and holiness in people come from God Himself, who is the source of all virtue.

✝️ Spiritual Lessons:

• We must not use holy titles routinely, but with genuine faith.

• Christ’s goodness is divine and perfect; He is our ultimate model.

• Knowing Christ means personal and living faith, not mere words.

• Christ is the Holy God, the source of all holiness and righteousness.

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