Reflection on Today’s Reading

1st Reading Eze 24:15-23

Gospel Mat 19: 16-22

Was Jesus really against wealth? And why did he issue
such a strong warning to the rich (as well as to the rest of us who desire
to be rich)? We know that Jesus was not opposed to wealth per se, nor was
he opposed to the wealthy. He had many friends who were well-to-do, including
some notorious tax collectors! One even became an apostle! Jesus’ warning
reiterated the wisdom of the Old Testament: “Better is a poor man
who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is perverse in his ways”
(Proverbs 28:6; see also Psalm 37:16). “Do not wear yourself out to get
rich; be wise enough to desist” (Proverbs 23:4). Jesus seems to say that
it is nearly impossible for the rich to live as citizens of God’s kingdom.
The camel was regarded as the largest animal in Palestine. The “eye of
the needle” could be interpreted quite literally or it could figuratively
describe the narrow and low gate of the city walls which was used by travellers
when the larger public gate was locked after dark. A normal sized man had
to “lower” himself to enter that gate. A camel would literally have to
kneel and crawl through it.

Why is Jesus so cautious about wealth? Wealth can make us falsely independent.
The church at Laodicea was warned about their attitude towards wealth and
a false sense of security: “For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and
I need nothing” (Revelations 3:17). Wealth can also lead us into hurtful
desires and selfishness (see 1 Timothy 6:9-10). Look at the lesson Jesus
gave about the rich man and his sons who refused to aid the poor man Lazarus
(see Luke 16:19ff). They also neglected to serve God. The Scriptures give
us a paradox: we lose what we keep and we gain what we give away. Generosity
will be amply repaid, both in this life and in eternity (Proverbs 3:9-10,
Luke 6:38). Jesus offers us an incomparable treasure which no money can
buy and no thief can steal. The thing we most set our heart on is our highest
treasure. Material wealth will shackle us to this earth unless we guard
our hearts and set our treasure in God and his everlasting kingdom. Where
is your treasure?

“Lord Jesus, you have captured our hearts and opened to us the treasures
of heaven. May you always be my treasure and delight and may nothing else
keep me from giving you my all.”

 

This reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager (c) 2012, whose website is located at http://www.rc.net/wcc/readings