Tuesday of the Twentieth Week in Ordinary Time
Today’s readings confront us with the danger of riches. We are reminded in the entrance antiphon that “one day within your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere” (Ps 84:11). The house of the Lord is far more to be desired than the courts of the haughty princes of Tyre who have heaped up gold and silver and believe themselves to be gods. To whom will their riches go when they die? It is the Lord who levels out the playing field because he alone is in control. “It is I who deal death and give life” is the commentary offered by the refrain of the responsorial psalm (Dt 32:39).
In the gospel from Matthew 19:23-30, Jesus continues this same theme: “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.” The disciples then say “Who then can be saved?” Jesus replies that it is the one who has given up everything who will inherit eternal life. Riches are not intrinsically bad; however, wealth gives one a false sense of power and the mistaken notion that money can buy everything. The Kingdom of God upturns all worldly standards: “many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.” It is by giving up worldly goods and goals that we find happiness and it is in dying to self that we find eternal life. At communion, we sing the refrain: “With the Lord there is mercy; in him is plentiful redemption” (Ps 130:7). God alone suffices. In him we find fullness of life, abundant riches of mercy, and the wealth of redemption.
Prayer for Today: Lord, help me to value you above all else in this world and to desire to dwell one day within your courts.
Reflection by Br. Michael Marcotte, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections