Tuesday 22nd of August
“It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 19:23-30
Our reading today forms part of the reading about the rich young man who asked Jesus what he had to do to gain eternal life. And so, after telling the young man that his attachment to richness was the obstacle, Jesus elaborates more and tells his disciples that it is hard for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. We know that richness (which comes in many forms) is not the problem, but our attachment to our richness often prevents us from doing what God asks of us.
Jesus reminds his disciples of the importance of relying on God to let go of our attachment to our richness. He also promises his disciples and us that “you who have given up….” something for him will “receive a hundred times more and inherit eternal life. So, each time we feel the pain or discomfort of giving up for Jesus, let us remember his words. God will not be outdone in generosity.