
A reading from the holy Gospel according to 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 men, 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." The Gospel of the Lord Praise be to you, Lord Jesus Christ
REFLECTION: Who then can be saved?
Jesus has warned us many times the obstacles riches and wealth will have on our salvation. Wealth by itself is not bad, but if acquired on the backs of the poor or unjustly acquired then it is bad. If wealth is used for only the wealthy to live lavish lives but in ignorant indifference of the plight of the poor then wealth is indeed bad.
Jesus had wealthy friends--Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. He did not think they were sinful, but he tells us it is easier to become self serving, thinking only of our comfort when we are wealthy.
Jesus has promised a happy future to whose, who in their abundance have given up all for his Kingdom ,by applying that which God has so generously given us to good stewardship.
What is wealth? Many people who have a lot , live in fear of not having enough. Let us use our resources wisely, for our good but also for the good of others. We have "wealth" in the talents God has given us.
When at work, be generous with your talents and help those who are struggling to make ends meet. At school, help a student who is struggling with their homework. Be generous with the church needs. Be attuned to the needs of others and share your gifts with them. Donate your time and go feed the homeless, help the single struggling mother who has 2 or more jobs to support herself and her family. What good is our wealth if we miss the target--spending eternity in the love of God?
Trust in the love of God and know that he will shower you with a generous heart if you only ask Him, for nothing is impossible to God .
PRAYER: Dearest Lord, let my words not just be words, my intentions not just be good intentions, don't let me procrastinate in my generosity. Give me a generous heart, free me of material attachments. Let me seek that which is the best treasure --You. Amen
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