A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 19:23-30)
Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven. Again 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.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and said, “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For men this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.”
Having just spoken to the wealthy young man, Jesus then turns to his disciples and tells them how hard it is for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven. Peter tells Jesus that they have given up everything to follow him. “What will there be for us?” he asks Jesus. To Peter and the disciples Jesus says that when he sits on his throne of glory in the world to come, they also will sit on twelve thrones. To anyone who detaches from the things of this world and selflessly follows him, Jesus says they “will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life.”
God, help me understand the words of Jesus. Being a disciple means putting myself behind others in a life dedicated to service for the sake of your name. What is impossible for me you make possible from your very being, the source of all good. Help me put in right relationship to you the things of this world. Rather than seeking to attain as much as I believe I need in a given week or month or year, instead teach me to trust you for what I need. Help me see the actual value of wealth and material possessions so that I can use them justly for the good of all.
From the responsorial psalm: “I will hear what God proclaims; the LORD–for he proclaims peace to his people, and to his faithful ones, and to those who put in him their hope.” Mary, Queen assumed into heaven, pray for us!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.