It will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven (Mt 19:23)
In the Gospel according to Saint Mark, in Greek original, Jesus says more precisely: How difficult it is for those who put their trust in wealth to enter the kingdom of God. (cf. Mk 10:23) In this way, the Lord Jesus points out what in riches hinders us from entering the kingdom of God. In this case, wealth means trusting in abundance. With this definition of wealth, it can also be signified those who do not have many earthly goods, but who are focused on acquiring them and dreaming about them.
There is also a positive concept of wealth in the Scriptures. We read in it that “God is rich in mercy” (cf. Eph. 2:4). The wealth in this case is not that God possesses much, but that He gives much. Wealth is generosity in this case. Rich is not the one who possesses much, but the one who gives much. The Lord Jesus calls us to such wealth in front of God (sf. Lk. 12:21), that is, to be able to give authentically. The Lord Jesus says about this wealth later in the Gospel: 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, and you 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. (cf. Mt. 19:27-29
They will sit in the Kingdom of God on twelve thrones, that is, they will receive power in heaven. But they also receive a kind of wealth already here on earth: the richness of human love. And this is what really happens to those who "forsake their all" to follow Christ. Regardless of whether it will be the religious or secular life, true following Christ leads to beautiful meetings with people.
It is worth paying attention to one more very important, positive element of today's gospel, which reveals once again the different nature of our human perspectives and God's mercy. Jesus said: 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 (cf. Mt. 19:24) and Saint Peter groaned: Who then can be saved? (cf. Mt. 19:25). In response, he heard: For human beings this is impossible, but for God all things are possible. (cf. Mt. 19:26)
Therefore, God can also save a rich man who is blinded by the goods of this world. When we often pray for the conversion of our loved ones who have lost themselves in various ways, let us remember this sentence of Jesus. For God all things are possible. Even what seems impossible. This should be also remembered, when it comes to ourselves. God can save me - such a sinner!
Until Tomorrow
fr. george