For God, all things are possible

Readings: 1^st: Ez 28:1-10; Ps: Dt 32:26-27.27-28.30.35-36; Gos: Mt 19:23-30

This brief reflection was written by Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans). He is a missionary in Puerto Rico, the island of enchantment. He is the Chancellor of the Dioceses of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico; the Parish Priest of Parroquia la Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Major Superior of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (Spiritans), Circumscription of Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic. For more details and comments contact him at:  canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com.

Today is the Tuesday of the twentieth week of ordinary time. Today’s gospel is a continuation of Christ’s encounter with the rich young man.

The young man came to seek advice and approval from Christ. Unfortunately, he walked away disappointed and sad. So, in today’s gospel Christ made a conclusion based on the reaction of the rich young man.

“Amen, I say to you, it will be hard for one who is rich to enter the Kingdom of heaven…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.”

Of course, this provoked some anxiety among his apostles who expressed fear and doubt about their own salvation and reward. This was in the light of the sacrifice they have already made to follow Christ.

This is because, Christ’s analogy of the Carmel and the needle’s eye painted and presented a very impossible picture about entering the kingdom of God.

Indeed, being humans, they were right to be afraid after hearing such comments. They did exactly what Christ asked the young man to do. They had left everything and followed him (Mt 4:20.22).

There is a good lesson for us here. Like the disciples of Christ, at times in our journey of faith we express similar fears and doubts.  

We ask questions like; I hope I am not wasting my time? What will I gain following Christ? Is following Christ worth all these sacrifices and troubles? Yes, as humans, we are right to express these fears.

However, today, Christ answers and clears our doubts. Our sacrifices will not be in vain. All we need to do is to continue without losing faith.

Although the proverb of the Carmel and needle’s eye, presents a picture of impossibility, however, knowing that “with God all things are possible” is the consolation price we must always cherish.

He who called us, and whom we have obeyed through our sacrifice will not forsake us if we remain faithful to him. If we sincerely detach ourselves from the “riches” of this world, there is no need to be afraid.

Our God is faithful. Therefore, “let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful” (Heb 10:23).

Peace be with you.

Maranatha!