And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life

 

 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.  And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."  When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?"  But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  

 

Then Peter answered and said to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You.  Therefore what shall we have?"  So Jesus said to them, "Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.  But many who are first will be last, and the last first."

 

- Matthew 19:23-30 

 

Yesterday we read that little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven."  And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.  Now behold, one came and said to Him, "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?"  So He said to him, "Why do you call Me good?  No one is good but One, that is, God.  But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments."  He said to Him, "Which ones?"  Jesus said, "'You shall not murder,' 'You shall not commit adultery,' 'You shall not steal,' 'You shall not bear false witness,' 'Honor your father and your mother,' and 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"  The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth.  What do I still lack?"  Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."  But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

 

Then Jesus said to His disciples, "Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.  And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."  When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?"  But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  My study Bible reports that there have been various interpretations suggested for the impossible image of a camel going through the eye of a needle.  One such explanation is that this word in Aramaic is for "rope" but it sounds alike to the word for camel.  Another is the suggestion that the eye of a needle was the name of a city gate through which a camel might barely squeeze if it were first unloaded of all its baggage, which symbolized wealth and possessions.  There is additionally a similar expression in the Talmud: "for an elephant to go through the eye of a needle."   But, whatever the phrase is reference to, it shows the impossibility of salvation for those who are attached to riches.  My study Bible says that this is clearly evidenced by the response of the disciples, "Who then can be saved?"  But by God's grace, even what is impossible for human beings can come to pass.  

 

 Then Peter answered and said to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You.  Therefore what shall we have?"  So Jesus said to them, "Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.  But many who are first will be last, and the last first."  My study Bible comments here that Christ is not commanding believers to divorce spouses and abandon children (anymore than He advised all people to dispose of their wealth).  St. John Chrysostom tells us that this is a reference to keeping faith under persecution even if it means to lose one's family.  It also means to accept tat unbelieving family members may cut off ties because of the believer's faith (see 1 Corinthians 7:12-16).  My study Bible adds that believers are promised a hundredfold of houses and relatives not in an earthly sense, but rather a spiritual one; that is, the fathers and mothers of the Church, our brothers and sisters in Christ, and houses of worship and fellowship. 

 

 St Paul writes, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows" (1 Timothy 6:10).  It's important to note the distinction that St. Paul himself makes through his words here.  He speaks of the love of money, meaning an unhealthy or disordered passion for it.  But just as Jesus replies to the disciples, we must note that all things are under the hand of God, and our lives as disciples or followers of Christ is also under Christ's authority.  Thus, there is nothing that should come between our capacity to find and follow Christ and the Lord's direction for our lives.  For, just as Jesus said about St. Mary the sister of Sts. Martha and Lazarus, this is the one thing that is truly needed (see Luke 10:38-42).  As we quoted from my study Bible in yesterday's commentary, according to St. John Chrysostom, what the road of salvation looks like (and what sacrifices we'll be asked to make) vary from person to person; our paths are unique on the journey of faith.  In this case, the rich young man (see yesterday's reading, above) was instructed by Christ to sell all that he had and give to the poor, and become a disciple ("and come, follow Me").  This was for a particular reason, for the depth of attachment the young man had to his wealth, his possessions.  And clearly we can see the truth about that attachment in that he went away sorrowful, and the exchange in the equation -- which he gave up -- was eternal life.  Clearly he had a desire for goodness and perfection, but such was the attachment of his possessions that he could not give them up, even for perfection and eternal life and discipleship in Christ.  But in today's reading we're given the illustration that the disciples, despite not being wealthy men, have also give up all for the Kingdom and for the path of discipleship they've been offered.  St. Peter says, "See, we have left all and followed You."  They have left behind their old lives, and to various extents what we know of their histories this included families, homes, etc.  Sts. Peter and Andrew are brothers and they are also disciples together.  Many wives, or mothers, or extended family of these men (and of Christ Himself) are also a part of this ministry among the disciples, but they also have put their lives in the service of Christ and His followers.  So, what we know of Christ's ministry and these men affirms what St. Chrysostom and my study Bible indicate, that each path is unique for each individual.  But what is clear is that all things are in service to God.  The gradual or growing dependency upon Christ in this sense throughout our lives of disciples is a testimony to and reflection of that.  What one could not give up yesterday, becomes something, with time and faith, one is willing to let go in order to more fully follow Christ in faith.  And Jesus' promise of the return for such sacrifice holds true as it did for these men.  As my study Bible comments, countless faithful have found a hundredfold in return -- of saints, of brothers and sisters in the Church, of the richness of a spiritual life that gives strength and sustenance and goodness, even abundance.  For Christ's love expands and gives us ways to enrich our lives that we may never have considered, expanding to those with whom we may share our faith, and our wealth as well.  But all of this comes through time, through the evolution of our faith and its progress in our lives, a steady path of following Christ.  Jesus teaches at the Last Supper to the disciples, "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).  And so it will be, that our faith may ask of us sacrifices, leaving behind things that hinder us in exchange for the life Christ offers us.  But in Him we have richness, and strength, and courage, and love -- and lest we forget, peace.  Let us find Christ's way for our lives, and live His faith and the path He chooses for us.  

 

 

 

 

 

Who then can be saved?

 

 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.  And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."  When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?"  But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  Then Peter answered and said to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You.  Therefore what shall we have?"  So Jesus said to them, "Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.  But many who are first will be last, and the last first."

 

- Matthew 19:23-30 

 

Yesterday we read that little children were brought to Jesus that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them.  But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven."  And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.  Now behold, one came and said to Him, "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?"  So He said to him, "Why do you call Me good?  No one is good but One, that is, God.  But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments."  He said to Him, "Which ones?"  Jesus said, "'You shall not murder,' 'You shall not commit adultery,' 'You shall not steal,' 'You shall not bear false witness,' 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'  The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth.  What do I still lack?"  Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."  But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

 

Then Jesus said to His disciples, "Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.  And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."  When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?"  But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  My study Bible comments that there are various interpretations which have been suggested for this impossible image of a camel going through the eye of a needle.  Perhaps the word in Aramaic was not camel, but rather "rope" (the words sound alike); one could see an analogy there.  Possibly the "eye of a needle" was actually the name of a narrow city gate, through which a camel might barely squeeze if it first were unloaded of all of its baggage, which would symbolize wealth.  In the Talmud there is a similar expression:  "for an elephant to go through the eye of a needle."  But whatever it refers to, it expresses the impossibility of salvation for those who are attached to riches.  This is clearly shown by the response of the disciples:  "Who then can be saved?"  But by God's grace, even what is impossible for human beings can come to pass.

Then Peter answered and said to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You.  Therefore what shall we have?"  So Jesus said to them, "Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."     My study Bible cites a commentary on Luke's Gospel by St. Ambrose of Milan, which may also be applied here:  "Christ judges by discerning the heart, and not by examining deeds.  So also the apostles are being shaped to exercise spiritual judgment concerning faith, and in rebuking error with virtue."  The apostles will judge not with earthly judgment, my study Bible says, but by the witness of their own lives.  Since God's kingdom begins with the Resurrection of Christ, the authority of judgment has already been given to the apostles and their successors in the journey of the Church on earth (see also Matthew 16:19, John 20:23).  

 

"And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.  But many who are first will be last, and the last first."   My study Bible comments here that Christ is not commanding believers to divorce spouses and abandon children.  According to St. John Chrysostom, this refers to keeping faith under persecution even if it means to lose one's family.  It also means that we must accept that unbelieving family members might cut off ties because of the believer's faith (see 1 Corinthians 7:12-16).  My study Bible notes that believers are promised a hundredfold of houses and relatives not in an earthly sense, but rather in a spiritual one:  the fathers and mothers of the Church, our brothers and sisters in Christ, and houses of worship and fellowship.

Jesus notes, along with St. Peter, that the disciples have already left everything behind for the sake of His gospel and ministry.  As has been consistent, he speaks for the disciples in their concern about what their future will be in Christ's kingdom (see also this reading).  They still do not know what sort of kingdom it will be.  But after Christ has warned them twice about what is to come in Jerusalem, and this episode with the rich young ruler (in yesterday's reading, above) whom Jesus told to sell all his wealth and give to the poor, it seems their perspective is being slowly altered.  They are coming to realize not only their own sacrifices but also that the reward for participation in the Kingdom might not be the worldly positions of greatness they understand from earthly kingdoms.  Indeed, we can read their astonished question to Jesus after Christ's comment that it is impossible for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God:  "Who then can be saved?"  Jesus' answer to the rich young ruler was not only disconcerting (and seemingly impossible) for the young man who went away in yesterday's reading, but also has a great effect upon the disciples who are still just beginning to understand the nature of Christ's kingdom and the task before them.  They, too, have made sacrifices but not necessarily for a worldly return in conventional terms.  And this again, as we noted in yesterday's commentary, is the nature of what it is to follow Christ.  In a deep commitment of a prayerful life, we place all things in the hands of God and we ask for direction.   In this way, all our possessions, talents, and other sorts of worldly goods might be given to God for direction, used hopefully for God's purposes, to serve God's kingdom.  When we help the poor, it isn't simply to do a "good deed," but to serve God by so doing.  For as Christ taught, "Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me" -- and this applies to all who are poor in spirit, humble, or "little ones," all those without great currency of any kind.  It is an act of loving neighbor as oneself, which is based in loving God first.  For this reason, the detachment from riches becomes an imperative.  For if we believe that our possessions define who we are, then we are not free in our hearts to be identified in Christ, as children by adoption.  Rather, as Christ has said, we have a first commandment to love God, and a second commandment which is "like it" to love neighbor as oneself (Matthew 22:36-40).  In today's reading, we can see the disciples' seemingly staggered response to Christ's comment about the difficulty of salvation for one who is very rich, as they themselves are still struggling on the road to understanding what their own participation in Christ's kingdom will really mean for them.  In St. Peter's follow up question ("See, we have left all and followed You.  Therefore what shall we have?"), we seem to see the dawning understanding that Christ's kingdom will not be a worldly one with the earthly rewards of conventional kingdoms.  We shouldn't think that the struggle of the rich young ruler who asked what he must do for eternal life in yesterday's reading is so dramatically different from the struggle of the disciples or of all the rest of us.  For what, really, do we expect from our discipleship?  What sacrifices will we be asked to make so that we become more truly children (and heirs of the Kingdom) by adoption?  Let us not minimize the difficulties of detachment nor the love God has for us which we return as those who are His children to be shaped in God's image for us.

 

 

 

 

Who then can be saved?

 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.  And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."  When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?"  But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  Then Peter answered and said to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You.  Therefore what shall we have?"  So Jesus said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.  But many who are first will be last, and the last first."

- Matthew 19:23-30

Yesterday we read that little children were brought to Jesus that He might put His hands on then and pray, but the disciples rebuked them.  But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven."  And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.  Now behold, one came and said to Him, "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?"  So He said to him, "Why do you call Me good?  No one is good but One, that is, God.  But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments."  He said to Him, "Which ones?"  Jesus said, " 'You shall not murder,' 'You shall not commit adultery,' 'You shall not steal,' 'You shall not bear false witness,' 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' "  The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth.  What do I still lack?"  Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."  But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. 

 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.  And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."  When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?"  But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."   My study bible notes varied interpretations that have been given for this impossible image of a camel going through the eye of a needle.  Some suggest that the word wasn't came, but rather "rope" (which sounds alike in Aramaic), or that the eye of a needle was a city gate through which a camel possibly could barely squeeze if it were first unloaded of all of its baggage, which would symbolize wealth.  In the Talmud there is the expression "for an elephant to go through the eye of a needle."  We also must take into consideration Jesus' gift for figures of speech, His prolific images given to us throughout the Gospels and in His preaching.  But whatever this particular phrase refers to, my study bible says, it displays the impossibility of salvation for those who are attached to riches.  It's not a condemnation of rich people or wealth, but rather it is all about attachment and its difficulties.  (There are example of wealthy and powerful people who are holy in the Gospels, such as Joseph of Arimathea.)  The disciples respond, "Who then can be saved?" giving us a picture of the widespread application of difficulty conveyed here.  But by God's grace, even that which is impossible for human beings can come to pass.

Then Peter answered and said to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You.  Therefore what shall we have?"  So Jesus said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."   My study bible notes about judgment that St. Ambrose of Milan, commenting on Luke 22:30, writes, "Christ judges by discerning the heart, and not by examining deeds.  So also the apostles are being shaped to exercise spiritual judgment concerning faith, and in rebuking error with virtue."  They won't judge with earthly judgment, but rather by the witness of their own lives.  God's kingdom, it notes, begins with the Resurrection of Christ.  Therefore this kind of discernment (judgment) has already been given to the apostles and their successors in the journey of the Church on earth (see also John 20:23).

"And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.  But many who are first will be last, and the last first."  Christ isn't commanding believers to divorce spouses and abandon children.  According to St. Chrysostom, this is a reference to keeping faith under persecution, even if it means to lose one's family.  It also means to accept that unbelieving family members could be cut off because of the believer's faith (see 1 Corinthians 7:12-16).  My study bible adds that believers are promised a hundredfold of houses and relatives not in an earthly sense but rather a spiritual one:  the fathers and mothers of the Church, our brothers and sisters in Christ, and houses of worship and fellowship.

So what is it about attachments that make them so difficult an obstacle to our faith?  Throughout the Gospels (and indeed, the whole of the Bible), we're given a message that our assignment in life is to choose what we truly love.  When Jesus is asked, "What is the greatest commandment?"  He responds with the first and the second: " 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.'  This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'  On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets" (22:35-40).  The Cross offers us this choice of what we will love first, and what we receive in exchange, as Jesus teaches the disciples in today's reading.  Wealth not only symbolizes attachments, but objects that we covet or take delight in can either enhance life and faith or they can stand as obstacles to putting the love of God first, as Jesus does in enumerating these commandments.  In Jesus' teaching here, great wealth can set us up for tremendous difficulties in finding ourselves, our true heart, putting Christ first so that all else is put into appropriate perspective.  In the Gospels figures like Joseph of Arimathea or Nicodemus play an important role in Jesus' life and ministry (and at His death on the Cross).  The centurion of Capernaum is cited by the local elders as one who has "built us a synagogue" and "loves our nation," and Jesus says of him, "I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!" (Luke 7:1-10).  Even the family of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, Jesus' great friends, seem to be of high standing in the community and known to many in Jerusalem.  In John's Gospel, it is Mary who anoints Christ's feet with a very costly bottle of perfumed ointment (see John 11, 12:1-8).   All of this is to note that the Gospels do not bar those of powerful and affluent standing from faith.  Rather, those individuals who are distinguished in their faith and are in such positions are they who put everything in service to their faith in Christ.  They not only act in accordance with such faith, but they also risk everything they have, including public standing, for their love of Christ.  Their testimonies to faith are in all of their choices.   Of the centurion at Capernaum we know nothing of his subsequent life, but according to various histories, the rest of these figures went on to serve in the Church in one way and another, and presumably leaving their former lives behind.  But their wealth did not stop their faith.  Rather, all that they had, owned, and did was in service to that faith, and in the Gospels, their lives are transformed in service to that faith.  Each of us has things to which we are attached, things which we perhaps crave or intensely desire.  As to the rich young man in yesterday's reading, his wealth likely defined his identity and family standing.  The poorest among us may have some objects to which we cling as prizes.  But the story of the Gospels is the story of faith -- and perhaps the greatest secret of all is that when faith comes first, then everything else is our lives is transfigured with meaning through our participation in the Cross, and the life, death, and Resurrection of Christ.  That would include all that we have.  This is the powerful story given to us in the Gospels and through the testimony of the entire Church in all of its history.  When we're faced with choosing between what we have and what He offers, let us remember this and choose wisely -- or else the great wealth becomes the obstacle to everything we might have if one is willing to "lose one's life in order to truly find it.

Who then can be saved?

 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.  And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."  When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?"  But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  Then Peter answered and said to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You.  Therefore what shall we have?"  So Jesus said to them, "Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.  But many who are first will be last, and the last first."

- Matthew 19:23-30

Yesterday we read that little children were brought to Jesus that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them.  But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven."  And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.  Now behold, one came and said to Him, "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?"  So He said to him, "Why do you call Me good?  No one is good but One, that is, God.  But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments."  He said to Him, "Which ones?"  Jesus said, " 'You shall not murder,' 'You shall not commit adultery,' 'You shall not steal,' 'You shall not bear false witness,' 'Honor your father and your mother,' and 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' "  The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth.  What do I still lack?"  Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."  But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, "Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.  And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."  When His disciples heard it, they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?"  But Jesus looked at them and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  My study bible gives us varying interpretations that have been suggested for the impossible image of a camel going through the eye of a needle.  Some have commented that the word for camel sounds like the word for "rope" in Aramaic.  Some have suggested that the eye of a needle was a city gate through which a camel possibly could barely squeeze if it were first unloaded of its baggage, which symbolizes wealth or possessions.  In the Talmud there is the expression "for an elephant to go through the eye of a needle."  In any way that we read the phrase, it tells us of the impossibility of salvation for those who are attached to riches.  The disciples understand this clearly, as they respond, "Who then can be saved?"  But by God's grace, even what is impossible for human beings can come to be.

Then Peter answered and said to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You.  Therefore what shall we have?"  So Jesus said to them, "Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.  But many who are first will be last, and the last first."  My study bible says here that Christ is not commanding believers to divorce spouses and abandon children.  Rather, according to St. John Chrysostom, what this means is keeping faith under persecution, even if it means to lose one's family.  It also means that one may need to accept that unbelieving family members may cut off ties because of the believer's faith (see 1 Corinthians 7:12-16).  Believers are promised a hundredfold of houses and relatives not in an earthly sense, but rather in a spiritual one.  That is, in the fathers and mothers of the Church, our brothers and sisters in Christ, and houses of worship and fellowship.  This includes the entire communion of saints, with whom we pray and to whom we can call for prayerful intercession with us.

Jesus speaks of the near-impossibility of a "rich man" entering the kingdom of heaven.  But, He says, "with God all things are possible."   By the standards of Jesus' time, there is no doubt that many modern people fit into the category of a "rich man," if we consider the types of prosperity and innovation that many in the world enjoy today, especially in countries in which there is a well-developed middle class.  But Jesus is not simply talking about wealth in terms of dollar equivalents.  He's speaking about possessions as they define who we are and what we do in life.  He speaks of the disciples who leave all behind for the sake of following Him, and ask Him, "Who then can be saved?"  What is important are the difficulties of exchanging one type of life for another, and how entrenched we are in the things that Christ will call on us to give up our attachments to in order to more deeply follow Him.   If we take the example of St. Peter, who tells Jesus, "See, we have left all and followed You," we get an interesting case to examine.  Peter, we know, has an extended family and is married.  Earlier in the Gospel we were told about His mother-in-law who was healed by Christ, and began to serve those in the house (Matthew 8:14-15).  What we understand about Peter's life is, first of all, his business as a fisherman, and that he was married, and also that his family home becomes Jesus' ministry "headquarters" in Capernaum.  We're never told that this makes Peter particularly wealthy by any standards of the time, but here he is the one who says "See, we have left all and followed You.  Therefore what shall we have?"  I think it's important for us to look closely at Peter's life, and see that he has left his job as fisherman to follow Christ and be His disciple and apostle.  His home has become a place for Jesus' ministry.  His wife's mother, we're told, serves Christ when she is healed.  Everything in his life has become a part of his faith, and has been "handed over" to serve his faith in Christ.   This is the type of devotion to which Jesus points, and in particular that which we should consider when we're told that "it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."    Whatever possessions we have (including extended family in that equation), our lives will be turned over to our faith in an increasing and deepening journey in which our prime loyalty becomes to Christ -- and through Christ, the Kingdom of heaven and all that includes.    We all have some possession to which we are attached, but to give one's life over requires a deepening difficulty when one has many possessions in one's care and attached to one's identity and station in life.  We all need God's grace to do this.  We all rely on God's grace to lead us into a life where our goals and aspirations center upon a deepening participation in the Kingdom and the sharing of God's grace as a part of the life we live in the world.  This is not simply a matter of doing good deeds and sharing one's wealth.   It is even more significantly a question of the heart.  It becomes a question about what we are most devoted to in life, what we place first in the way we relate to the world, including our possessions.  It is an orientation of love that mediates the rest.  These men to whom Jesus speaks, His disciples, are those who've put everything else aside for this mission and in service of this mission.  This is the great difficulty of detaching from possessions that bind us to a way of life, a purpose, and the demands of a world that is not so attuned.  Let us remember that love and the deepening journey to Christ start in the heart, that the Kingdom of heaven is within us and among us.  Repentance is that long and continual process of turning from one "devotion" to another, to the place where Christ calls us.  It asks of us everything in our lives, leaving behind what we thought was more important, bit by bit -- and reassigning values.  Grace is the key to its work, and holiness part and parcel of what He asks.  It's important to know, as noted by St. John Chrysostom's commentary in yesterday's reading, that the specifics of what this will look like for each of us will be different.  There's a story from the Desert Fathers about one monk who thought he'd achieved great holiness.  His spiritual elder told him, "I know someone holier than you are."  He took the monk not to another hermit, but deep into the heart of a city, where there was a man who worked repairing shoes in his shop.  All the day as he worked, this man sang to himself the thrice-holy hymn and its praises to God:  "Holy God, Holy Almighty, Holy Immortal, have mercy on us."  There may be saints among us one never knows about; the real depth of devotion in the heart is something only God truly knows.

Many who are first will be last, and the last first

 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?"  So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good?  No one is good but One, that is, God.  You know the commandments:  'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not bear false witness,' 'Do not defraud,' 'Honor your father and your mother.'"  And he answered and said to Him, "Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth."  Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack:  Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me."  But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!"  And the disciples were astonished at His words.  But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!  It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."  And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, "Who then can be saved?"  But Jesus looked at then and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible."  Then Peter began to say to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You."  So Jesus answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time -- houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions -- and in the age to come, eternal life.  But many who are first will be last, and the last first."

- Mark 10:17-31

Yesterday we read that Jesus came to the region of Judea by the other side of the Jordan.  And multitudes gathered to Him again, and as He was accustomed, He taught them again.  The Pharisees came and asked Him, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" testing Him.  And He answered and said to them, "What did Moses command you?"  They said, "Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to dismiss her."  And Jesus answered and said to them, "Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.  But from the beginning of the creation, God 'made them male and female.'  'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh.  Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."  In the house His disciples also asked Him again about the same matter.  So He said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her.  And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery." Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them.  But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.  Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it."  And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?"  So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good?  No one is good but One, that is, God.  You know the commandments:  'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not bear false witness,' 'Do not defraud,' 'Honor your father and your mother.'"  And he answered and said to Him, "Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth."  Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack:  Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me."  But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.  My study bible notes that this man doesn't come to test Jesus, but rather to seek advice from one He considers no more than a good Teacher.  Christ doesn't deny His divine identity as Messiah, but gives an answer designed to lead this man to knowledge of Himself.    We notice how the conversation evolves:  formal observation of commandments does not convey full righteousness before God.  The man senses he still lacks something and presses Jesus for an answer.  I think it is most important that we note what the text tells us, that Jesus loved him, and in this spirit of love gives him the answer about what he lacks.  This rich young man with great possessions is given the answer that is necessary for him:  it is this that he is most attached to, and that stands in the way of finding what he seeks.  St. John Chrysostom's commentary on the story of this rich young man in Matthew's gospel tells us that to give away his possessions is the least of Christ's instructions.  To follow Christ in all things is a far greater and more difficult calling. 

Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!"  And the disciples were astonished at His words.  But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!  It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."  And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, "Who then can be saved?"  But Jesus looked at then and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible."  Then Peter began to say to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You."  So Jesus answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time -- houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions -- and in the age to come, eternal life.  But many who are first will be last, and the last first."  Jesus speaks to His disciples of the difficulties of detachment and sacrifice, themes that have run under the surface of His teachings from the time the disciples were disputing among one another who was the greatest.  About His words to the disciples, my study bible says that He's not commanding believers to divorce spouses or abandon children.  Once again, St. Chrysostom's commentary on the similar passage in Matthew is cited.  St. Chrysostom comments that this refers to keeping faith under persecution -- even if it means to lose one's family.  It also means to accept that unbelieving family members may cut off ties because of the believer's faith (see 1 Corinthians 7:12-16).  The promises of hundredfold returns are traditionally interpreted to mean in a spiritual sense:   fathers and mothers of the Church, brothers and sisters in Christ, and houses of worship and fellowship.    He also speaks of persecutions that will accompany blessings.

Just prior to Jesus' Transfiguration, and the beginning of His teachings on leadership and humility to the disciples, He began to teach them about the way of the Cross in connection with His predictions of His own suffering, death, and Resurrection.  He taught, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.  For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it.  For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?"  All of the lessons included in our readings since then seem to emphasize this way of the Cross, and the understanding of appropriate sacrifice.  Jesus does not ask this young man in today's reading to give up his possessions merely because the concept of sacrifice is good in and of itself.  He is offering him an exchange, teaching him what is better for him:  the gift of eternal life in exchange for that which stands in the way which we hold dear.  In some sense, as the "follow up" discussion with His disciples makes clear, this is the offer and the teachings He gives to all of us.  It is the way of the Cross, and the way in which we each must take up our own crosses in life.  What do we give in exchange for the fullness of relationship and participation in the life of Christ that is offered us?  The giving up of his possessions for this man is akin to the sacrifice Jesus said might be necessary for us as we seek to grow in participation in the Kingdom, when He spoke of giving up a hand or a foot or an eye in Monday's reading.  What we may be called to give up may feel as deeply essential to our identity as those things, and as this rich young man's many possessions.  But the fullness of life He offers in return is incomparable.  We return to His question, "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?"  Our sense of our selves and our world can only expand -- even a hundredfold -- through the kind of life He offers in return.  Jesus ties in the teachings in today's reading with the ones on humility in leadership from Saturday's reading, in which He said, "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all."   He reminds His disciples once again, "But many who are first will be last, and the last first."   When we consider the challenges of discipleship and their difficulty, we remember that He has also included the work of God in us that makes it possible.

It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God

 Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?"  So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good?  No one is good but One, that is, God.  You know the commandments:  'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not bear false witness,' 'Do not defraud,' 'Honor your father and your mother.'"  And he answered and said to Him, "Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth."  Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack:  Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me."  But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!"  And the disciples were astonished at His words.  But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!  It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."  And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, "Who then can be saved?"  But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible."  Then Peter began to say to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You."  So Jesus answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time -- houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions -- and in the age to come, eternal life.  But many who are first will be last, and the last first."

- Mark 10:17-31

Yesterday we read that Jesus came to the region of Judea by the other side of the Jordan.  And multitudes gathered to Him again, and as He was accustomed, He taught them again.  The Pharisees came and asked Him, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?" testing Him.  And He answered and said to them, "What did Moses command you?"  They said, "Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to dismiss her."  And Jesus answered and said to them, "Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.  But from the beginning of the creation, God 'made them male and female.'  'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh.  Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."  In the house His disciples also asked Him again about the same matter.  So He said to them, "Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her.  And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery."  Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them.  But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.  Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it."  And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.

Now as He was going out on the road, one came running, knelt before Him, and asked Him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?"  So Jesus said to him, "Why do you call Me good?  No one is good but One, that is, God."  My study bible tells us that this man seeks out Jesus not because he tests Him (as do the Pharisees in yesterday's reading above, for example), but because he seeks advice from someone whom he considers no more than a good Teacher.  Christ doesn't deny His own divinity, but rather His answer is designed to lead this man to that knowledge.

"You know the commandments:  'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not murder,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not bear false witness,' 'Do not defraud,' 'Honor your father and your mother.'"  And he answered and said to Him, "Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth."  The formal observance of commandments does not make one righteous before God.  The man has come this far and recognizes he still lacks something, so he continues to press Christ.  His desire is earnest.

Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack:  Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me."  But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.   We note that Jesus' word to this sincere man comes because He loved him.  To follow Christ means to let no obstacle remain in the way of such faith.  My study bible says that nothing is gained unless this sacrifice is given freely.   However, the specifics of how one follows Christ will be different for each person.  In this case, the man's wealth had a great grip on him; his hope is to give away his possessions to follow Christ.  My study bible cites St. John Chrysostom, who says that giving away possessions is in fact the least of Christ's instructions here.  To follow Christ in all things is a far greater and more difficult calling.

Then Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God!"  And the disciples were astonished at His words.  But Jesus answered again and said to them, "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!  It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."  And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, "Who then can be saved?"  But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible."   The expression "easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle" has been given many suggested interpretations -- that the word wasn't camel but similar to an Aramaic word for "rope," or that the eye of a needle was referring to a city gate through which a camel might squeeze only if it were unloaded of all its baggage, which symbolizes wealth.  The Talmud contains a similar expression:  "for an elephant to go through the eye of a needle."  Whatever the phrase may refer to, it shows the impossibility of salvation for those attached to riches.  When the disciples ask, "Who then can be saved?" they express the difficulties all understand.  But God's grace makes the surmounting of any obstacle to faith possible, even what is impossible to man.

Then Peter began to say to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You."  So Jesus answered and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel's, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time -- houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions -- and in the age to come, eternal life.  But many who are first will be last, and the last first."  My study bible says here that Christ is not commanding believers to divorce spouses and abandon children.  Again it cites Chrysostom, who says that Christ's words here refer to keeping faith under persecution, even if it means to lose one's family.  It also means to accept that unbelieving family members may cut off ties because of a believer's faith (see 1 Corinthians 7:12-16).  Believers are promised a hundredfold of houses not in an earthly sense.  Rather it is in a spiritual sense; we have fathers and mothers of the Church, brothers and sisters in Christ, and houses of worship and fellowship. 

We may consider from this reading that wealth is indeed an obstacle to faith.  But that's not really the way that Tradition teaches us to interpret Christ's words, nor is it, in fact, consistent with the Gospels.  There are those who are wealthy and also in positions of power or authority who become a part of Christ's story as those who are faithful.   There is the centurion of whom Jesus says, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!" (see Luke 7:1-10).  There is Joseph of Arimathea, whom Mark's Gospel will call "a prominent council member" and Luke tells us is a wealthy man.   He is in a high enough position of authority to go before Pilate and request Christ's body, a very dangerous thing to do, and wealthy enough to provide Christ's tomb, which was new and hewn from a rock and therefore quite expensive (see Mark 15:42-47, Matthew 27:57-61).  John's Gospel also teaches us about Nicodemus, who came to Jesus by night to be taught by Him -- in one of our most important teachings on baptism and the Holy Spirit and the rebirth in spirit.  He further stands up for Christ in the council, as he is a Pharisee and a prominent member.  Finally, he also contributes to Christ's burial with Joseph of Arimathea, providing what must have been an extremely costly mixture of myrrh and aloes (and John's Gospel tells us it was in quantity "about a hundred pounds").  See John 3:1-21, 7:50-52, 19:39.  These people from the Gospels give us important examples of wealthy, powerful men in authority who are important members of the faithful, key figures in the life and ministry of Christ.  Let us not also forget Matthew, a tax collector, who no doubt profited from his position, and was wealthy enough to give a large dinner in his home (Mark 2:13-17). The Gospels also give us the story of  Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, who is specifically called by Christ on His way to Jerusalem (Luke 19:1-10).  Each of these men is in position of authority, power, and possesses great wealth.  None of these things are therefore an obstacle to faith.  But they all have in common one thing:  that their faith came first.  Their devotion to Christ initiated in them the willingness to give up anything else if it was necessary to serve that faith.  The centurion seeks out Christ and understands absolute obedience, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus not only use their wealth to serve Christ but also risk their positions and even their lives in service to Him.   Levi becomes Matthew the disciple, and Zacchaeus declares his repentance and the means whereby he lives his repentance.   This is the hard thing, to give up one's trust in riches to faith in Christ.  Through these stories we come to speak of attachment, and to understand that there is no object or thing that is evil in itself:  rather our faith declares that everything we are, everything we have, everything we do is in service to Christ.  We put all things second to this love.  When St. Chrysostom teaches that in fact it is giving up wealth that is the easier command than to follow Christ in all things, he knows the wisdom he teaches.  He also would give everything in his life for his love of Christ, a long journey of faith and service.  Jesus speaks to the disciples of houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, and also of persecution.  And there are countless others who no doubt also fill the same shoes.    Christ shifts our thinking about holiness.  It is not one of simply following commands or rules.    There are not objects or substances that are evil in and of themselves.  Rather, the things we possess, our entire lives, must be put into the service of Christ.  Each of the men who form the examples given above are called to serve Christ, and to help all the rest of us to know the story of Christ, in different ways.  There is no "cookie cutter" faith offered to us here, but rather the simple and profound truth at the heart of the Gospel:  that each of our lives depends on seeking the discernment to understand how we are called, to place our lives in service to Him, and in so doing develop the virtues and discipline God's love will make possible.  There are no obstacles, save those we put before love of Christ.  Faith is open to all.   For with God all things are possible.    To teach anything less than this is to limit God, and God's work in us.