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

 

From the Gospel according to Matthew
Mt 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 men 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.”

 

 

Demands into Gratitude

When I try to elevate myself above others, whether through wealth or abuse of power, I find that God brings down the mighty from their thrones and lifts up the humble, raising them to a throne of glory. For example, those power struggles in marriage, that pride in wanting to control more or be right, those demands that drive me to seek power on earth, only to end up last in heaven (if I even get there). So, what do I do? I have to replace those attitudes with valuing the other as a gift from God, something I don’t truly deserve. I need to replace demands with gratitude.

What does God expect from me? To recognize my inability and beg for His Grace, acknowledging His Fatherly Love in all He gives me, especially in my vocation.

 

 

Applied to married life:

Carl: Forgive me, Sofia. I have to admit that I haven’t appreciated you enough. You’re the only person in my life who has given up everything for me. You left behind your single life’s fun to dedicate yourself to me. You turned down any other man, even if he was richer, more handsome, or more charming. You made me a priority over your parents. You didn’t have time to browse magazines or shop because you were praying with me, talking with me, or caring for our children. You wanted to say “yes” to the Lord through your love for me. And you, dear Sofia, have given me the most valuable thing in your world: yourself. That’s why you are the most valuable thing in my world. Because of all this, I know how much you love me. Thank you, Sofia.

Sofia: I, too, Carl, have to ask for your forgiveness because I also haven’t valued the gift that God gave me through you. How many beers with friends you’ve skipped, how many games, how many hours of free time spent working, you’ve given up your hobbies, and many of your ideas you’ve changed out of love for me. You became my husband, and that is priceless. Thank you, Carl. Because of all this, I know how much you love me.

Children of Carl and Sofia: Thank you, Dad, thank you, Mom. What a beautiful example of married life you’ve given us. This day, as you celebrate your 40th anniversary, will be etched in our hearts forever… because you have shown us the way of love through your lives.

 

 

Mother,

Deep down, it’s as simple and yet as difficult as putting love for God above all else. In my vocation, that means loving my husband, and as the fruit of that love, our children. It’s impossible for me, but not for God, and He has my “yes.