Gospel
Matthew 19:23-30
23 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. 24 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.” 25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and said, “Who then can be saved?” 26 Jesus looked at them and said, “For men this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.” 27 Then Peter said to him in reply, “We have given up everything and followed you. What will there be for us?” 28 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. 29 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. 30 But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
Historical Background
This passage follows Jesus’ encounter with the rich young ruler, who walked away sorrowful because he couldn’t part with his wealth to follow Jesus.
In Jewish thought at the time, wealth was often seen as a sign of divine favor. Jesus’ statement that it’s hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom of Heaven would have shocked His listeners.
The disciples, having left everything to follow Jesus, ask what reward awaits them. Jesus assures them of eternal rewards and rulership in the coming Kingdom.
Theological Context
Jesus emphasizes that salvation is impossible through human effort—especially for those entangled in wealth—but “with God all things are possible” .
God’s economy upends worldly hierarchies. Jesus promises that those who forsake earthly ties for His sake will receive a hundredfold and inherit eternal life, affirming the cost and glory of discipleship.
Learning Lessons
Wealth can be a barrier, not inherently evil, but attachment to it can hinder surrender to God. Eternal life and spiritual inheritance far outweigh temporal gains. Leaving behind comfort, relationships, and possessions may be part of following Jesus.
Human effort cannot earn salvation; only God can make the impossible possible. Humility, dependence, and surrender are honored by God.
“The Eye of the Needle”
A camel stands before the gate,
Too wide, too proud, too richly great.
The needle’s eye—a slender thread,
Where humble hearts alone are led.
The rich may boast of gold and land,
Yet falter when God takes their hand.
But those who lose to follow Christ,
Will gain a crown, eternal life.
The first may shine in worldly fame,
But Heaven knows a different name.
The last who serve, who bend, who give—
Are those who truly learn to live.
Lord Jesus,
You see the heart behind every treasure and call us to surrender what we cannot keep to gain what we cannot lose.
Teach me to trust You more than riches, to follow You even when the path is narrow, to rejoice in the promise of eternal life. Help me let go of what binds me, and cling to You, my true inheritance. May I be counted among those who leave all for Your name’s sake and find joy in being last—so I may be first in Your Kingdom.
Amen.
Pericope:
VI: Ministry in Judea and Jerusalem
THE RICH YOUNG MAN
Matthew 19:16-30
Gospel Acclamation
Jesus Christ became poor although he was rich so that by his poverty you might become rich.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
