Matthew 19: 23-30
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astounded and said, “Then who can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.”
Then Peter said in reply, “Look, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man is seated on the throne of his glory, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold, and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Generous Giving
The disciples “were greatly astounded.” Are we? In the 21st century, I am far richer in material things than even these rich people of the ancient past. I have indoor plumbing, access to cars, heating and air conditioning, a cell phone, electricity, artificial lighting, access to goods and foods from all over the world, etc.
The things I have aren’t really mine; they ultimately belong to God. Do I treat them as such? Am I happy to share them with others? Do I consider the material needs of others as a legitimate demand on what I have? Jesus calls us to leave everything at his feet, reminding us that what appears to us as a loss will be met with great reward. If we are generous—as he has been to us first—we will find great joy! Help me Jesus to live with generous, open hands.
—Nathan Krawetzke, SJ, is a scholastic of the Midwest Province studying theology at the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California.
Prayer
Jesus, sometimes it is painful for me to let go of my attachment to my possessions. Remind me over and over again that the things I have are yours and that they are given so that we might participate in your own generous giving. Cultivate in me a freedom to dispose of all things according to your holy will and not my own.
—Nathan Krawetzke, SJ
Pray with the Pope
Pray with the monthly prayer intentions of the pope.