Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: August 22, 2023

Date in the Ordine: Memorial of the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Scripture Text: Matthew 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."

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel text for today reveals to us Jesus’ teaching to the disciples concerning those who will enter the Kingdom of heaven. Jesus warns against the temptations of wealth and how they tend to draw us away from LORD giving us a false sense of independence and self-reliance. When the disciples digest Jesus’ words, they ask Jesus who will be saved if wealth is not the way. Jesus acknowledges that left on their own, none would be saved, but with the LORD, all things are possible. Jesus is reminding them that they cannot save themselves, that their salvation is dependent upon the LORD.

Peter then raises the question of what will become of them, pointing out the sacrifices the disciples have made in order to follow Jesus. Jesus assures them that when He comes into his glory, they will be seated on thrones themselves. Jesus goes on to say that anyone who has sacrificed because of their relationship with Him will be rewarded greatly.

Jesus ends by reminding us that our status on earth is not a guarantee for our status in the Kingdom of heaven for the LORD judges differently than we do.

How does this pertain to us today?

Jesus calls us into relationship with Him and to value our discipleship more than status in this world.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

What do I truly value most in life? How does the time I spend on my faith and my relationship with the LORD compare with the time and energy I spend on other earthly and material endeavors?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, You sent your beloved Son to us to reveal anew your desire for our salvation and life with You. And He revealed You and your love for us through His teaching and through His deeds. But nowhere was His teaching more powerful than on the cross, selflessly sacrificing himself for love of You and love of us. Send your Spirit to give us the vision to see clearly the way to You and to life in abundance. Grant that we may put our relationship with You and with one another above anything material, anything perishable. Most of all, LORD, let your love for us tenderize our hearts and minds and help us to recognize our need for You. We ask this in the name of your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.