First Reading - Ezekiel 28:1-10
Gospel - Matthew 19:23-30
The first reading reminds us today how pride can become a reason for our downfall. The pride of the city of Tyre becomes the reason of its downfall. Ezekiel demonstrates that the city of Tyre which was a city encompassing a small island just off the coast of what is now Lebanon; even now it is still reached by a causeway. It was traditionally a strong naval power, a naval base used even in Crusader times. In ancient warfare it seemed to be impregnable; certainly it survived several fierce sieges. However, Ezekiel reminds that the proud city of Tyre which was still protected has not recognised the power of God but have relied on itself. Therefore, God will overcome the proud city of Tyre by other powerful city. Hence, Ezekiel shows that the human power is fleeting before the powerful hand of God.
In the gospel passage, Jesus also invites us to learn to rely on God than material things. Jesus continues his didactic instructions on discipleship. He affirms that those who are attached to the possession cannot attain the kingdom of heaven, for their primary concern would be only the acquisition of possession and wealth. Apparently, It may appear weird that Jesus seems to condemn wealth and possession but the fact is he condemns the inordinate desire for wealth in relation to God. This inordinate attachment to any material thing can be so arresting that one cannot think of God and His invitation to follow Him which means to rely on Him. The question of Peter - ‘We have left everything and followed you. What are we to have, then?’ - rightly adds to the clarification that anyone who has renounced everything which also means the one who considers all other things or people less important than God and continues to live accordingly will have the promise of eternal life.
Dear friends, the readings are challenging our utilitarian, materialistic, consumeristic and hedonistic mentalities. The above mentalities drive us crazy to run after wordly pleasures, power, and position. The worldly power, pleasure, and position are good but if they become reason for our lives then they can be dangerous to our souls. The possession of power and wealth can make us proud and we can't acknowledge the place of God in our lives like the city of Tyre. The prophet Ezekiel tells us that pride leads to our ruins.
The gospel also warns us against another threat that can replace God is the inordinate desire for the wordly power, pleasure, and wealth. Jesus warns us that the people who are motivated by such drives can't enter the kingdom of heaven because they are preoccupied by worldly things than God. The kingdom of heaven signifies the presence of God and by their choice for the worldly things they have bereft themselves of the kingdom of God or God's presence. However, those who understand the value of kingdom of God give the first place to the kingdom of God and God are rewarded with the kingdom of God itself.
Let's pray that we may learn to give first place to God and His kingdom in our lives.
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