todays readings. Tuesday, 19th August 2014.. 20TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME. (Green) Year A, Cycle ll FIRST READING Ezekiel 28:1-10 RESPONSORIAL PSALM 32:26-27ab, 27cd-28,30,35cd-36 R. I kill and I make alive. GOSPEL Mathew 19:23-30 REFLECTION...Jesus seems to say that it is nearly impossible for the rich to live as citizens of Gods kingdom. The camel was regarded as the biggest 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 travelers when the larger public gate was locked after dark. A normal size man had to lower himself to enter that gate. A camel would literally have to kneel and crawl through it. Our Lord Jesus wasnt really against wealth as such, 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! Why is Jesus so cautious about wealth? Wealth can make us falsely independent with a misplaced sense of security. Wealth could lead to a neglect of God, which is sounded as a warning by Ezekiel in the first reading. Jesus offers us an incomparable treasure which no money can buy and thief can steal. Material wealth will bind us to this earth unless we guard our hearts and set our treasure in God and his everlasting kingdom. where does your treasure lie? ..have a nice day...
Posted on: Tue, 19 Aug 2014 04:27:54 +0000