The Rich and the Kingdom of Heaven

Today's Reflections

The Rich and the Kingdom of Heaven 

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Mt 19:23-30

²³Jesus said to his disciples, “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. ²⁴Again 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.” ²⁵When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and said, “Who then can be saved?” ²⁶Jesus looked at them and said, “For human beings this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” ²⁷Then Peter said to him in reply, “We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?” ²⁸Jesus 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. ²⁹And 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. ³⁰But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”

Reflection:

It will be hard for one who is rich. In the Gospel Jesus is not condemning wealth or riches. Being rich could mean one is blessed here on earth, but it does not mean one is assured entry into heaven. Entry into God’s kingdom is God’s gift, not the result of possessions or material wealth. Jesus presents to us the danger of riches which could capture one’s devotion to the point that it becomes an attachment that hinders us.

If a man is rich, he may think that anything can be bought. He may reach the conclusion that he does not need God anymore and can do everything without God. Being accustomed to material comforts, the rich man may forget the value of sacrifice and suffering. He may be tempted to cling to riches rather than live a life of sharing. A rich man may judge everything in terms of rewards and merits. He will not appreciate the truth that everything is grace, that salvation is God’s gift.

What do you consider as your security and success in this life?

Can you detach yourself from your material wealth and from worldly allurements?