Gospel: August 18, 2026
August 18, 2026 (Tuesday)
20th Week in Ordinary Time
Psalter: Week 4 (Green)
Dt 32: 26-27ab. 27cd-28. 30. 35cd-36ab
It is I who deal death and give life.
1st Reading: Ezekiel 28:1-10
The word of the Lord came to me in these terms, “Son of man, say to the prince of Tyre:
You are very proud and self-satisfied: ‘I am a god, Is it like a god in the heart of the sea.’ Yet you are man and not a god; would you hold yourself as wise as God? You consider yourself wiser than Daniel; no secret is hidden from you.
Your wisdom and know-how have earned you a fortune, gold and silver flowed to your treasury. Clever in trade, you became wealthy and, as your fortune increased, your heart became prouder.
But now, the Lord has spoken to you, to the one who is like God: I am bringing foreigners against you, the most feared of all the nations. Their sword will challenge your wisdom and debase your refined culture.
They will bring you down to the pit and you will die in the depths of the sea. Will you be able to say ‘I am a god’ when your murderers are killing you? You are a man and not a god. You will die the death of the uncircumcised and perish at the hands of aliens, for I have spoken—word of the Lord.”
Gospel: Matthew 19:23-30
Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I say to you: it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Yes, believe me: it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of the needle than for the one who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven.”
On hearing this, the disciples were astonished and said, “Who, then, can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and answered, “For human beings it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.”
Then Peter spoke up and said, “You see, we have given up everything to follow you. What, then, will there be for us?”
Jesus answered, “You, who have followed me, listen to my words: on the Day of Renewal, when the Son of Man sits on his throne in glory, you, also, will sit, on 12 thrones, to judge the 12 tribes of Israel. As for those who have left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, children or property for my Name’s sake, they will receive a hundredfold, and be given eternal life. Many who are now first, will be last, and many who are now last, will be first.
Reflection:
Humility and reliance on God’s grace
Jesus states that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. These striking words remind us of the spiritual challenge that wealth can pose. While riches in themselves are not sinful, they can weigh heavily on our hearts, distracting us from the ultimate treasure—our relationship with God.
Jesus’ teachings underscore the importance of humility and reliance on God’s grace. He assures us that, although it may seem impossible for the wealthy to surrender fully, God makes everything possible. This is a call to align our lives with God’s purposes and trust in His providence rather than earthly possessions.
The passage concludes with an inspiring promise: those who sacrifice for the kingdom’s sake will receive eternal rewards far greater than anything this world can offer. Let this truth inspire us to let go of material attachments and wholeheartedly pursue the riches of God’s eternal kingdom.
