Reading I: Judges 6:11–24a
Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 85)-“The Lord speaks of peace to his people.”
Gospel: (Matthew 19:23–30)
The Gospel today is sobering but beautifully honest: “It will be hard for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven… 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.”. What a vivid imagery?
This is a strong metaphor, utterly intentional, and full of hyperbole. It is not about a literal gate in Jerusalem. That story about the “eye of the needle” gate is almost certainly a pastoral myth, and scholars find no evidence for it.
Jesus is making a clear point: it is practically impossible for wealth to be an obstacle free path to the kingdom of God. He is not saying that money in itself is evil, nor that we should become anxious about modest possessions. “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” we remember. What matters is balance.
So where are our hearts? Do we love God, or money? You cannot serve both God and mammon the Bible says. Your love determines your direction. Your money, your time, your vacations, your priorities, everything will either serve Him or something else.
Jesus reassures us: “For man this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” Then He gives the promise: “Everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for my name’s sake will receive a hundredfold and inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
This promise is not abstract. It is lived out powerfully by missionaries, by religious sisters, by those who give up so much yet radiate joy. Sometimes, instead of arguing someone into belief, the stronger invitation is, “Walk with me, come and see.” Lives lived fully for Christ speak louder than words.
When others meet these sisters, perhaps in a shelter or through humble service, they often say: “They have nothing, but they are happier than me.” That is the Gospel lived. He who gives up much will receive so much more. It is an invitation to live that way. It is not theory, it is real, and we see it.
Yet we must be careful not to oversimplify. It is tempting to think that poverty automatically brings salvation, and that wealth automatically condemns. But wealth itself is not the problem. The problem is attachment. It is the heart.
Imagine presiding over violence, suffering or oppression if the poor and innocent just to stay wealthy and powerful. That is what this passage could point to. On the other hand, even the poor can cling tightly to the little they have, fists closed, hearts closed, unwilling to learn or to open themselves to others. That too is attachment.
Today’s Gospel is deep, challenging, and wide open for reflection. It asks us to examine our hearts. Where is our treasure? What holds our love?
God bless you,
-Pal Ronnie-
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