Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!”
The disciples were amazed at his words. So Jesus again said to them in reply, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God!
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.”
They were exceedingly astonished and said among themselves, “Then who can be saved?”
Jesus looked at them and said, “For human beings it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.” (Mark 10:23-27 NABRE)
These words of Jesus provoke astonishment among the disciples because of their apparent contradiction of the Old Testament concept that wealth and material goods are considered a sign of God's favor. Since wealth, power, and merit generate false security, Jesus rejects them utterly as a claim to enter the kingdom. Achievement of salvation is beyond human capability and depends solely on the goodness of God who offers it as a gift.*
Today, I will thank God for the gift of salvation.
Saint Gregory VII, responsible for the Gregorian Reform in the Church, pray for us.
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