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."

Sermon

My brothers and sisters in Christ, today's Gospel passage presents us with a challenging message from Jesus about the difficulties of wealth and the rewards of sacrifice. Jesus tells his disciples that it is hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven, and that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God.

The disciples are astonished by this statement, and they ask Jesus, "Who then can be saved?" Jesus responds by saying that while it may be impossible for humans to achieve salvation through their own efforts, all things are possible with God.

Peter then asks Jesus what reward they will receive for giving up everything to follow him. Jesus promises that those who have followed him will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel, and that everyone who has given up something for the sake of his name will receive a hundred times more and inherit eternal life.

This passage challenges us to think about our own relationship with wealth and material possessions. Do we place our trust in our riches, or do we trust in God? Are we willing to give up something for the sake of following Jesus?

The good news is that Jesus promises a reward for those who sacrifice for his sake. But the greater reward is not material wealth, but eternal life and a deeper relationship with God.

As we reflect on this passage, let us ask ourselves: what am I willing to give up for the sake of following Jesus? What distractions or attachments am I holding onto that prevent me from fully following him? May we be willing to take up the challenge of sacrifice, trusting that God will provide us with a reward far greater than anything we could imagine.

Prayer

Let us pray: + In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Almighty, merciful and loving God,

We come before you today, reflecting on the challenging message of Jesus about wealth and sacrifice. Help us to examine our own hearts and minds, that we may understand where our true trust lies.

Forgive us for the times when we have placed our trust in our riches and material possessions, rather than in you. Help us to let go of our attachments and distractions, that we may follow Jesus more fully.

We pray for the courage to take up the challenge of sacrifice, trusting that you will provide us with a reward far greater than anything we could imagine. May we be willing to give up something for the sake of following Jesus, knowing that eternal life and a deeper relationship with you are the greatest rewards of all.

Thank you for the promise of Jesus, that all things are possible with you. May we trust in your power and provision, and may we follow him with faith and obedience.

In Jesus' most holy name we pray, Amen.

+ In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ

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