I have fond memories of my grandmother asking me to thread a needle for her as a child in exchange for a one-peso coin. She could no longer do it due to her poor eyesight. In the Gospel, when Jesus compared how easy it would be for a camel to pass through the eye of the needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of heaven, it was as good as telling the disciples that it was an impossibility. Jesus was seemed to be implying that wealth could be a great and insurmountable hindrance to attaining heaven. Wealth, particularly money, could create a false sense of security and power. Wealth could impede our appreciation of the true riches – God’s love for us, our relationship with Him and the people we love, true happiness, faith and peace. We could get distracted by the false happiness and security offered by worldly riches, and eventually forget the more important things in our lives and, especially, God.

There was a time before entering the seminary, when I thought that money was all that was important in my life. In my desire to provide for my family and give them a comfortable life, I juggled my teaching job with being a part-time call center agent. I worked day and night. However, even if I was able to provide for my family’s needs, it took its toll on my health and eventually, also on my relationship with God – which for me, is a main priority.

The Gospel reminds me that there are far more important things in the world than wealth or money. May we not be blinded by worldly riches, but always find the true wealth in God who loves us endlessly.

By: Sem. Lester John D. Cabais

Today’s Gospel

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.”