United States Conference of Secular institutes

USCSI REFLECTIONS

Saint Pius X

Matthew 19:23-30

Again, Jesus resorts to exaggeration as a figure of speech – he uses the camel and needle. But how better to explain the difficulty that people will have to appreciate the presence of God if their lives are filled with the distraction of riches. Perhaps the disciples think riches are a tangible sign of God’s blessing. Many people in our day believe wealth is a channel of God’s blessing. However, Jesus takes a very different position. Jesus’ words cut right through the world so many people strive for and the world we know. Life in the Kingdom is a gift from God, received with open hands. Clutching an armload of assets makes it impossible to receive God’s life.