THE WORD BECAME FLESH

Tuesday of 20^th Week in Ordinary time, 2022

Ezk. 28:1-10

(Ps) Dt 32

Matt 19:23-30

For God everything is possible 

Dear friends in Christ, with God, nothing is impossible. As human beings, we sometimes hit the wall and even at times feel there is no way out. We are somewhat discouraged because we cannot see what is on the other side of that high wall and so think it is impossible or it is of no use. We have however seen that there is still so much to discover and so much more to conquer in the world. Every discovery is lead to another. We are exploring beyond the earth into the universe yet there is much more to learn even in our little world. Where the grace of God is, nothing is impossible.

Today's gospel (Matthew 19:23-30) is a follow-up to the encounter between Jesus and the rich young man who came to enquire, "Master what good work must I do to receive eternal life?" Jesus told him to go and keep the commandments and when he asked, which of them, Jesus told him, "Do not kill. Do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, honor your father and mother, and love your neighbor as yourself." The young man however told Jesus he had kept all these, and asked what more. So Jesus told him, "If you wish to be perfect, go and sell all that you possess, and give the money to the poor...then come back and follow me." The young man on hearing this, went away sad. That informed the statement of Jesus today, "Truly I say to you, it will be hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven...it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."

Is Jesus denouncing wealth and money by this statement? Not at all. His disciples were surprised to hear him speak that way because they know that wealth is a source of blessing from God when it is sourced genuinely. That made Jesus go further saying, "With men, it is impossible, but with God, all things are possible." Jesus' teaching in this passage, is meant to provoke. The use of a Carmel through the eye of a needle is to show that heaven cannot be bought and cannot be sought through material things only. It is not reserved for those who can pay the price. That explains his reply to Peter who said, "Behold, we have left everything and followed you. What then shall we have?" Jesus promised eternal life and a hundredfold of what they have given up. Jesus wanted the rich young man to stop hoarding his wealth and to become more generous in his dealings with others, particularly the poor. If he wants to go to heaven, he should think less of earthly things and focus more on eternal things. That explains also, why Jesus invited him to become a disciple since whatever he gives to the poor, he will receive back a hundredfold in addition to eternal life. God's way to eternal life is the way of the beatitudes, the way of the Gospel, it is the narrow path. The Carmel may not pass through the eye of a needle physically, yet nothing is impossible with God. Heaven is open to both the rich and the poor; poverty is not the passport to heaven--both the poor and the rich will account for how they have spent their lives in the service of God and their neighbor.

Let us pray: Lord help us to shed worldliness, help us to use our gifts for the good of humankind. May our material possessions are not become a hindrance in life. Amen. 

+Remain blessed