Gospel: August 20, 2024

(Tuesday)

20th Week in Ordinary Time

Psalter: Week 4 / (White)

St. Bernard, abbot and doctor

Responsorial Psalm: Dt 32: 26-27ab, 27cd-28, 30, 35cd-36ab

It is I who deal with death and give life.

1st Reading: Ezekiel 28: 1-10

The word of Yahweh 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, Yahweh 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 Yahweh.”

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: “Who, then, can be saved?”

It is never easy to live up to the challenge of detachment from materials things. When we give up material possessions, we think that we are in a losing proposition. We are made to believe that to accumulate things without letup even at the expense of other people is the way to go. But the Gospel values tell us otherwise. Wealth in itself is not bad but it becomes enslaving when we appropriate and accumulate. Jesus calls us to a radical discipleship. He challenges us to let go of whatever hinders us to share our resources with others especially with those in need. Today’s Gospel narrates Jesus telling his disciples that it is hard for the rich people to enter the kingdom of heaven. The disciples were astonished by Jesus’ words because for them richness would indicate God’s blessings. Hence, the disciples asked who could be saved if the rich themselves would have difficulty to enter the kingdom of heaven. Jesus’ answer was clear: “For human beings it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” (Mt. 19:26) Nothing is impossible with God. God can multiply not only the blessings but also the people who are willing to share their blessings.