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 men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.”
“Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “For men it is impossible, but not for God. All things are possible for God.”
Rich Man vs. Poor Man Society inherently values the rich over the poor. It's been this way for centuries. Monetary wealth is a sign of success and achievement. Immense wealth guarantees recognition: powers and privileges rarely available to the lower "common man." I've known some very humble and charitable rich people. They use their wealth for the benefit of others. They aren't arrogant or proud. They acknowledge their wealth as a gift from God! However, other rich people could care less about helping others. They only think of themselves and how their "riches" rank against others. They hoard their riches in the form of lavish houses, fancy cars, pricey furniture, and expensive clothes. They use their riches in outlandish ways flaunting their expensive appetites. I think of all of the "House Wives of XYZ" shows popular on the Bravo channel. As millionaires, these men and women live such ridiculously shallow lives obsessed with cosmetic surgeries, pricey dinner parties, lavish vacations, and raunchy behavior. I know a lot of these shows are purposely overly-dramatic in order to increase viewership. After a while, watching the lives of these rich people makes me sick to my stomach. Why take their wealth to such extremes? Why do people think being millionaires/billionaires somehow makes them better than the poor? Why do people with tremendous wealth act in such diabolical and horrendous ways? I've come to the conclusion that wealth does not correlate with intelligence, high morals, or empathy. What a sad reality!
Our Lord says that it will be darn difficult for the rich to enter into heaven. This may sound polar opposite from the view of the rich on earth. We prize the wealthy for all of their possessions. But, none of those possessions will mean a hill of beans in heaven. In fact, we can't take our expensive automobiles, high dollar jobs, fancy houses, and fortunes when we've passed on to the other side. So why all the emphasis on it?
I say this time and time again: Wealth doesn't buy happiness. It certainly won't "buy" an instant ticket into heaven. However, I don't think the Lord is going to exclude ALL rich people from his Kingdom. If we are wealthy but live a good, holy life I think God will give us a thumbs up. Yes, we may need to spend some time in purgatory cleansing ourselves. We may have used our wealth in displeasing ways.
We need to remember that some of the poorest of the poor are rich in love and compassion. They open their hearts to God. Their selflessness is admirable despite all that they lack in material possessions. Our Lord will definitely remember these people at the gates of heaven. These monetarily poor are spiritually wealthy in God's eyes!
Are you willing to let go of your material possession and follow the Lord? If you are blessed financially, are you willing to donate to good charitable causes? Use your riches for the benefits of others.
Nothing is impossible with God. Let us become more spiritually wealthy!
-J.
Our Lord says that it will be darn difficult for the rich to enter into heaven. This may sound polar opposite from the view of the rich on earth. We prize the wealthy for all of their possessions. But, none of those possessions will mean a hill of beans in heaven. In fact, we can't take our expensive automobiles, high dollar jobs, fancy houses, and fortunes when we've passed on to the other side. So why all the emphasis on it?
I say this time and time again: Wealth doesn't buy happiness. It certainly won't "buy" an instant ticket into heaven. However, I don't think the Lord is going to exclude ALL rich people from his Kingdom. If we are wealthy but live a good, holy life I think God will give us a thumbs up. Yes, we may need to spend some time in purgatory cleansing ourselves. We may have used our wealth in displeasing ways.
We need to remember that some of the poorest of the poor are rich in love and compassion. They open their hearts to God. Their selflessness is admirable despite all that they lack in material possessions. Our Lord will definitely remember these people at the gates of heaven. These monetarily poor are spiritually wealthy in God's eyes!
Are you willing to let go of your material possession and follow the Lord? If you are blessed financially, are you willing to donate to good charitable causes? Use your riches for the benefits of others.
Nothing is impossible with God. Let us become more spiritually wealthy!
-J.
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