REFLECTIONS TODAY
It is not easy to live up to the challenge of detachment. The values of the world make us believe that to accumulate things without let up is the way to go. Often this attitude of accumulation is exercised at the expense of others. But the Gospel values tell us otherwise. Wealth in itself is not bad, but it becomes enslaving when we begin to be greedy. Jesus challenges us to let go of whatever hinders us to share what we have with others. In today’s Gospel, he tells his disciples that it is hard for the rich people to enter the Kingdom of heaven. The disciples are astonished at what Jesus says because for them richness means God’s blessings. Hence, the disciples ask who can be saved if the rich themselves will have difficulty entering the Kingdom of heaven. Jesus tells them that for God all things are possible (dynata). God can increase not only the blessings but also the people who are willing to share their blessings.
Do we tend to accumulate things? Do we share our resources? Do we allow God to turn our selfish tendency to generosity?
Gospel • Matthew 19:23-30
Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven. Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and said, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For human beings this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” Then Peter said to him in reply, “We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you that you who have followed me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on his throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.