They were greatly astonished
Jesus’ disciples are thrown off guard when Jesus says that it is difficult for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of heaven. They have always believed that wealth is a sign of God’s favor, so that rich people are thought to be guaranteed of salvation. Jesus rejects this misconception and points out that material possessions could in fact be a hindrance to enter God’s Kingdom.
It is not sinful to be rich. Jesus merely warns how our possessions can possess us. He teaches His disciples to hold everything in stewardship and to use wealth for God’s glory. Whether people be wealthy or poverty-stricken, or among the fairly comfortable middle-class, Jesus offers salvation to all who admit their need for redemption. In Jesus class distinctions vanish, and all stand on one common ground before God.
“The love of money is the root of all evils” (1 Tm 6:10).
Gospel • MATTHEW 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 human beings this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” Then Peter said to Him in reply, “We have given up everything and followed You. What will there be for us?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, I say to you that you who have followed Me, in the new age, when the Son of Man is seated on His throne of glory, will yourselves sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of My name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
SOURCE: “366 Days with the Lord 2020,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: publishing@ stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.